Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My gf's rainbow boa is starting to get like some pink colour on her belly...any ideas?

A very little bit of pink when getting ready to shed is probably okay. Very much pink is sometimes the result of dirty or acidic substrate.

>>My gf's rainbow boa is starting to get like some pink colour on her belly...any ideas?

How often do they shed?

Little ones around once a month. Larger ones around once every two months. The more they are fed and the more they are growing the more often they will shed. They will also shed more often with injuries or skin problems.

>>How often do they shed?

Most likely getting ready to shed. BOth my BRB's bellies go a light pink a few days before they go into the 'blue' phase (eyes look cloudy blue, rest of the body kind of faded greyish hue). This disappears after a few days and not long then, they shed.

Depending on how old your friend's snake is and how often it is fed..shedding can happen as often as once a month, to as little as a few times a year. Good idea to make sure the humidity is idea or a moist hide is available as this ensures a good complete shed.
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PHLdyPayne

Thanks...I took a look at her yesterday and she's doing exactly what you said yours do.

Oh...one more question...she has brown spots showing up to...any ideas?

What kind of substrate are you using and is it totally clean?

>>Oh...one more question...she has brown spots showing up to...any ideas?

it's a dirt substrate with i think some coconut husk stuff in it.

I think the pink belly and brown spot on the skin may be related to pH of the substrate. These snakes make lots of liquid urine. The urine is acidic but you will not see it in a dirt substrate. The acidity can cause skin problems.

>>it's a dirt substrate with i think some coconut husk stuff in it.

What kind of substrate would you recommend?

Paper towels for little ones and newspaper or kraft paper for big ones. I do like cocoanut fiber or chunks because it looks infinitiely nicer than paper but it needs to be changed often. For people who want to use cocoanut and not spend so much on the substrate get the larger chunks and you can soak and rinse a couple times and reuse them.

hmm might have to try that. I guess she shed today and all the spots and pink colours went away.