Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 100% het. pied female. I bought her from B.H.B. She has always gave me problems with feeding, i know that balls can have feeding problems,(i have 14), but today i got her out of her rack(small freedom breeder) and her belly is red and looked like cracking. I have never seen this before. I dont know if this has to do with her feeding or not. She is and 03, and was born in july. She is 214g right know. The temp in the back is 90 and 75 in the front. If anybody can help, i would be greatfull. Last meal on 12/03/03.

Well, I'll do my best without knowing your substrate, prey items offered, etc...but I'm thinking the redness on the belly may be from substrate (although the other animals in your collection may be just fine) I have seen instances where some animals showed similiar symptoms due to certain substrate. If your not already using newspaper or undyed papertowels, try doing so now. As far as being a problem feeder, I purchased 1.1 100% hets (both around 180 grams each) from Mark & Kim Bell awhile back, the male took off like a rocket and the female was very, very slow...she may have fed 1-2 times every 30 days or so, she remained in excellent visible condition but was just not feeding well. I tried various techniques that have worked well for me in the past but I ended up downsizing her prey and WHAM it was on...I continued with the smaller feeders until I was confident her feeding response was up to par. I'm not saying this "downsizing" is what you may need to do, but it just seemed that she knew what she was comfortable with and when. It almost seemed like she was reluctant to feed due to fear. She seemed timid or intimidated by anything larger than a hopper, while most of my BP hatchlings seem to take small adult mice for their first meal, she wanted nothing to do with them. I'd consider letting us know your substrate/prey and I'm sure you'll get some answers shortly thereafter. As far as the belly...call Brian, he'll help you in anyway he can. If I was for sure it was a result of your substrate I'd advise you to change it, treat the infected area with an iodine solution on a daily basis, keep her warm, and keep a small waterbowl with her, so she can drink but not soak. She should shed out of it with no ill effects. I hope this helps a little, but I'm serious...give Brian a call and I'm sure he'll give you the best advise. Good luck!!
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I use aspen bedding, she was eating live adult mice. When she started refusing the live mouse, i tried crawlers, and rat pinkies. I'll try the paper towels and or newspaper. Thank you for your information. (i will call brian tomorow).

if he stomach is light pinksih color, she will probably go into shed with a couple days. This would explain the eating habits.

The stomach will look like it has fine crinkles in it (like plastic) and it will be a light pinkish color.