Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 6 month old male Black Blood. I noticed that its belly scales lay flat if you feel from head to tail, but if you feel from tail to head it is like they are not attached and sort of peel up. They look fine but I have never noticed that with any of the other snakes I have. I keep him in a Rubbermaid with a 78*-92* temp gradient and the humidity has always been between 65-80%. I have a humid hide I never see him use, and tonight I saw him in his water bowl for the first time. He doesn't appear to be going into shed. The other scales aren't dimpled and his eyes look properly hydrated. This is my first Blood so I don't know if this seems normal or not. Please Advise!!

Thanks,

Joe

What kind of bedding are you using? Is there an undercage heater? Is the bedding damp or wet? How often do you clean and change this bedding?

Hi Amy,

I'm using Disposible Cage Liner paper. I have a UTH over approx. 1/3 of bottom. I have it connected to a Ranco thermostat set at 90*, and have a digital thermometer/hygrometer to verify the readings as well as an IR temp gun. The paper is dry and I change it whenever it is soiled. He was soaking again this morning. When I checked him this afternoon, the scales seemed much better.

Thanks,

Joe

I noticed the same thing with my first bloods.They just have large scaley scales.Sometimes I think I'm going to rip one off when it snags on something when I'm trying to pull them off of it.It you notice any discoloration or rotting, thats when you should get concern.

Thanks for the reply. I know what you mean about the ripping off part. Since he has been soaking the last couple of days it seems better. I think I'm going to give him a good bath weekly for an hour or so. I know Pro Exotics does that and they believe its a necessary part of the husbandry for bloods. I need to post a picture of the little guy, he is great.

Joe

I have a large enough container of water so they can soak in there on their own, and they do regulary.I read one good point one person posted about putting your already scared snake into a soaking container stressing him more than needed, which I think he was refering to baby bloods.I would only soak them if they were having a bad shed or looked really dehydrated.