As some of you know, I recently acquired a new BRB about a month ago. A few feeding issues, but figured out it preferred privacy. Today, it shed for the first time for me. Humidity was spot on and it shed completely. However, I noticed the very tip of the tail was missing. I'm assuming that maybe the breeder missed some retained shed before he sold it to me, therefore constricting the tail. I'm quite upset, and I never noticed any retained shed for the month I've had her in my care ( it's approx. 4 months old). The tail has some exposed red area where the tip used to be, but slight. The point is now blunt, but not bleeding. She is on paper towels, with a humidity box filled with sphagnum. In your educated opinions, will she be okay?
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In need of advice...
Replies (2)
She should be fine. This is something that happens with GTPs and other animals that require high humidity and don't get it for perfect sheds.
As long as its just the tail tip like you mentioned there shouldn't be any further problems. Just keep the humidity up for sheds (unlike your previous owner if it was his fault) or add a humidity hide.
Anyways, if the area is still red and open I would suggest cleaning it with Betadine or other antiseptic once a day to prevent infection.
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Chris
Chris Carille Photography
http://nyexotics.blogspot.com/
I am treating her just in case. I'm rather disappointed that she is injured. The humidity was up to the high 80's at the time of shed and it was a clean shed. I will try feeding her today to see if she will eat or is under stress. I looked for the tip of the tail, but couldn't find it. Nothing to snag the tail in the enclosure. Substrate is paper towels and sphagnum in a humidity box. Just a water dish and nothing else. She did defecate after the shed, which I know is a normal function. She is not irritable.
Just bizarre, since I've owned Colubrids, pythons, and boas, and nothing like this has ever happened. I'm a big upset because I have been meticulous and exact with her care.
Your positive look on the situation is comforting. Thanks.
