I have a 3 y/o hog island boa. The last feeding he didn't want anything to do with the rats. He usually takes 2-3 with no problem. I noticed yesterday that he has a dark brown spot almost appears to be a chunk of scales missing, on his head. I am a little concerened about this. Thank you for any help.
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Disease or not?
jrmedic21
Dec 16, 2003 08:12 PM
Replies (9)
meretseger
Dec 17, 2003 12:17 AM
Missing one feeding generally isn't anything to worry about. I'd dab some neosporin on the brown spot and watch for signs of weight loss. Just keep an eye out for any other changes. Hopefully the two things are unrelated.
How long have you had this boa?
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?
jrmedic21
Dec 17, 2003 06:44 PM
In regards to how long, I've had him since 6 m/o.
jrmedic21
Dec 17, 2003 06:52 PM
This is another quick ?. Can mites cause this. I have looked over the snake several times and can't find any but I guess there is always a possiblity. Thanks again
Colchicine
Dec 17, 2003 02:57 PM
Were the rats alive? If so, the rats probably took a chunk out of the snake. This type of thing is very well documented. Feeding live prey is not only inhumane, but is very dangerous for the snake. Follow meretseger's advice and get it switched to f/t preferably.
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...the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)
"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
Calvin and Hobbes (Scientific Progress Goes 'Boink', 1991)
jrmedic21
Dec 17, 2003 06:46 PM
I did fail to mention that the rats were not alive at the time of the feeding. I pre kill all of my rodents before feeding time. Thank you both very much.
Colchicine
Dec 17, 2003 08:36 PM
I hope you understand my tone, if anything for the sake of the others who read this forum.
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...the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)
"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
Calvin and Hobbes (Scientific Progress Goes 'Boink', 1991)
jfmoore
Dec 18, 2003 02:43 AM
Is there any way you could post a photo of the head spot? If you don't have a digital camera, maybe someone you know could do it for you?
jrmedic21
Dec 20, 2003 11:18 AM
I wish I knew how to do that. I do have a digital camara but I am am illiterate when it comes to pulling pics up. Can u help
jfmoore
Dec 20, 2003 10:41 PM
See if this information doesn't help: http://www.kingsnake.com/photohelp/
