Dear snake owners;
I picked up a "free" redtail boa about two weeks ago. The snake had a pretty big bite in its face (rat related) and an RI. I didn't know about the RI until a couple days later, when I heard him breathing heavily. The vet has giving me 5 injections for every other day (Baytril). I heard this can be dehydrating. Anyway, my real question is regarding his belly scales.
Tonight, we took the 32 pounder out of the cage for shots. My mom noticed his belly was completely red. Not blood red, but red orange. It was very intense, and it seemed to die down after 5 minutes of trying to get him situated on the table. But it was still there. And it still is. Its not the red you find in dermatitis; its not as concentrated. I know what that looks like and this is something else. I meet with the vet in three weeks and Im pretty antsy so I figured I'd ask you guys if you've ever experienced this. Also, she fed almost a week ago, and hasnt defecated yet.
Thanks so much in advance
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Boa Concern
Replies (3)
What kind of substrate are you using? Its tough to tell w/out pics, do you have any you could post?
Good luck w/ her/him,
Eric
Is it possible the boa is going into a shed cycle? I know
some of mine get pink and red bellies before going into blue.
Do you use an under-tank-heater? Might want to also make sure
it is not getting too hot... I've had that happen before, and
the snake gets some burns on the belly. Move the heater or
set it up with more substrate over it to try to disipate the
heat more. It's hard to say without seeing the situation first hand.
Good luck!
Thanks for the replies. I dont use an undertank heater. Wouldnt do much good with this big of snake. I use two infrared lights which keep it a solid 85 (depending on if its a hot day and i decide to open the window).
Usually the shed cycle happens when the bellies get red, but this is a little different. The snake also has incredible iridesense, not to brag, but just to let you know it shouldn't be a shed cycle. Lastly, I use repti bark substrate...the small kind. I hope nothings wrong.
Thanks in advance again
