Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hmmm,

Not sure if this is normal or should be a concern, but my male BRB had a color change on his belly over the last week or two.

His belly has turned bright red? Is this some sort of problem or is this common in BRBs? If it is a problem, is this a telltale sign of anything specific?

Here are a couple of pics to show the belly:

Thanks for any help or suggestions,
Brent Strande

Though it is not the only cause, many times irriatation from substrate can cause this. Have there been any recent changes in substrate or has it been wetter than before? I would consider changing from what you are using and keeping it dry for a couple weeks and see if you notice a change for the better.

Mike
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

I've on occasion noticied a more pinkish appearance on pre shed brb's. The pics you have are much more dramatic than the observation I've encountered. Is there something going on with it's throat also? It looks swollen to me.

Linda
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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance- that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer

but I agree with Linda, his throat looks swollen. Could he be dehydrated?

Chris Olson
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www.chrisolsonreptiles.com

I double checked his neck and it seems fine, I believe that it is just the camera angle...

Jeff Clark, have you ever come across this with any of your boas?

Thanks,
Brent Strande

Brent,
...I have seen this before. I think it is due to irritation from substrate that may be slightly acidic. BRBs make a lot of urine which is acidic and will eventually cause any substrate to become acidic. I would switch to clean newspaper substrate for awhile and see how it does. You will probably see a big improvement after the next shed.
Jeff

>>I double checked his neck and it seems fine, I believe that it is just the camera angle...
>>
>>Jeff Clark, have you ever come across this with any of your boas?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Brent Strande

She has been spending alot of time in her water dish. I hope it isn't a fungus. I am looking forward to Jeff C's response.

I've seen this before when I had a heating pad underneath the tank. What happened was the snake burrowed under the substrate and sat right on top of the area being heated. I didn't know what to think when I saw his belly turn that color, so I turned off the heat pad and the color was gone by his next shed. I still am not sure what to think, but my snake was fine, no scars.