Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just adopted a bp about a month ago. When we first got him home we were using newspaper (unprinted) in the bottom of his cage. About a week ago we changed over to Aspen. Since that point he began to move around less and spent much more time in his hide box. Last night when we pulled him out we found that his underside was a bit pinkish. We immediately pulled the Aspen out and went back to the paper but I wanted to see if anyone else has had this happen or if there is another reason that he would have the pinkish color. He has been eating fine and the temperture in the cage has been within the right range. So I really can't think of anything else (from my lack of knowledge and expereince) that could have caused it.

Thanks!
Bryan

Balls are in general curious about their environment, and when they are moved to a new one they tend to check it out a bit once settled in they spend most of their time in their hides. The pink belly means that your ball is about to go into shed and most likely has nothing to do with the Aspen. Unless it's pink and blistery.
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Tosha

8.15.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and currently un-named)
1.0.0 Angolan Python
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.3 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer

Has he shed since you got him home? Usually a pinkish tinge to the belly is a sign that it is going into a shed. Might al;so mean to high of belly heat, but first thinghs first. Keep an eye on him over the next few days. You should see signs, such as a bluish cast or graying of the skin and cloudy eyes. Depending on the humidity in the cage it could take from several days to two weeks to complete the process. Then you'll have a nice shiney new snake . If you have an under the tank heater, and it's hooked to a thermostat of some sort, then turn it down some. If no thermostat then turn it off for a few days and watch for a change in the coloration of the belly. Me thinks it's probably the start of a shed though.

Quig

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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

Thank you all for help. Like I said this is the first one ball I have had (I am actually a semi-reformed snake-a-phobic). He has not shed since I got we and that makes complete sense! (Explains the attidute he had last night... I thought it was pms). I do know enough though to not handle till the shed is over... I tried to read up on all this, but I guess I went overboard with concern for him. Thanks again!