Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just noticed today that several of my ball pythons have what look like rubbing sores on their chin. They are small and I did not notice this before.

I was curious if anyone else had this problem, and if so what did you do about it? Ours are kept on newspaper and in ARS hatchling rack systems.

Thanks.
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www.geckobabies.com

I use news paper too. Can you tell if it is ink? That would be my only guess. Mine splash around in their bowls at night than they rest their chins on the wet paper. Just a guess.

Bill R.
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0.1 Het Albino
0.1 Spider Het Albino
1.0 Albino
0.1 Spinner
2.1 Super Pastel
0.1 Jungle Pastel
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0.1 Clown
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1.1 Het Caramel Albino
0.3 Normal
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1.0 Chocolate Lab

Def not ink, they are very small little sores. My guess it's from rubbing. None of my adults have this and they are in larger racks, it is only the balls in the hatchling rack. Thanks for the thought though.
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www.geckobabies.com

Some of my adults do the same thing in my ARS 7030. They seem to be trying to stick their chins into the patterned holes at the front of the rack. Can't really fault the construction -- the holes are about as smoothly bored as they could be. And it's probably just coincidence, but only females do it, and only some -- 5 out of 19 total girls. Neosporin helps the sores but have not found anything to deter the behavior.

I was thinking that, but I thought if that happened it would show more on the top of the noses. I also have the 7030 and so far I do not have any adults that have done it. Good info to know though, thank you for your input.
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www.geckobabies.com

I have seen that in a few of my ball pythons, too. It is a small percentage of my snakes, but I'd still like to figure out why they are doing it and what can be done to clear it up. I have a few in Freedom Breeders, and some in solid plastic racks that are doing it. I think they may be trying to push their way out of the top of the box, along the ceiling where the tub and rack meet, and they are getting their scales caught. That's the only thing I can think off. If anyone else has any insight or ideas about this, please share it.

Thanks,

Garrick

Thanks Garrick, that also helps to know.
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www.geckobabies.com