Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had my boa for 10 years and things have always been kept the same for him more or less. Recently upon cleaning out his cage I noticed a few scales (about 10) throughout his cage. They were actual scales and not just pieces of an old shed but I figured it was just a random occurance. I looked him over thinking maybe somehow he had scale rot but everything looked fine. Today, I cleaned out his cage and noticed more than twice the amount of lost scales! I scrubbed down his whole cage with antibacterial soap, changed his newspaper, and gave him a bath.

The only change I have made in his cage was switching his hide box substrate from T-Rex forest bed expandable substrate to regular Aspin bedding. I can't imagine the Aspin causing this since so many people seem to recomend it as an option. What are other possibilities? I've taken out his hide box completely just to rule it out and better monitor him. If it continues we will see a vet. I'm just looking for other opinions.

They can't really lose scales since they are part of the skin, they aren't like fish in that way. The only way scales come off is if they are removed along with part of the skin in an injury. Can you post a picture of what you are seeing?

NP

I am 100% possitive that they are not pieces of a shed. I've had this snake for over 10 years and also have 5 ball pythons. I've never seen this in any of them before. If I see any more I will be sure to get a picture. He's a very dark boa and pretty aggressive so it's not very easy to get a great look over. He just ate so I'm going to wait a few days before trying to look him over again. He's been drinking a lot of water too. I don't know if that may be related but I thought it was worth mentioning. Thanks for the input.

I've seen Boas loose shed skin that looks like many single little scales of skin or scales. Its probably do to humdity levels and maybe internal hydration.I'm certain its shed skin though.
. . . . . . . . . Lar M
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Boas By Klevitz

If the snake were losing scales there would be torn skin as well. Remember aspen bedding is very drying so check your humidity, it should be 60 to 80 percent if possible.