Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Having never gotten any reply whatsoever to my earlier post, I'm trying again.

I have been soaking my 2-year-old in weak iodine solutions (FYI: Betadine is the same as generic povidone iodine 10% and can be had for under $2.40 at Safeway, not the $16 that Walgreens wants.) and putting Neosporin on him afterwards.

It looks as though most of the blisters are significantly reduced after 5 days of treatment and that he is getting ready to shed.

Here is the next bunch of questions. Hopefully someone will read them this time.

1. How many sheds do BPs normally go through before their belly skin is healthy again?
2. What is the best wattage of bulb to adequately heat a 10-15 gal glass tank with a screen top for a BP? The ambient temp in my house is about 72. Currently I have a 40w.

Once again, constructive advice is always welcome. Feel free to email privately if necessary.

broadwingdesigns@hotmail.com

>>1. How many sheds do BPs normally go through before their belly skin is healthy again?

Depends on how much damage is done, if it's minimal one shed, if its pretty bad could take a couple.

>>2. What is the best wattage of bulb to adequately heat a 10-15 gal glass tank with a screen top for a BP? The ambient temp in my house is about 72. Currently I have a 40w.

Get rid of the screen top or at least cover it up with a piece of wood or plexiglass and the get rid of the light, get yourself an Under Tank Heater for warmth. All the heat and humidity is going right out the top of your aquarium. Your ambient temps need to be about 85 cool end and 90 hot end.

Hope this helps. I really wish they'd stop selling those screen tops to people with snakes!
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Tosha

"Of course, this is just my opinion...and I believe I am God." -- Christopher Bianco

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

i agree... i have a screen top and its pissing the hell out of me(excuse the profanity but i have had it with mine) but i dont want to go out and buy a new setup, any suggestions other than plexiglass or wood? anything will help

Every once in a while I see someone that advertises in the cages classifieds that they make acrylic doors that you can attach onto standard size aquariums. If I remember correctly they aren't that expensive and would be they way I would go, if I used a standard size aquarium. Sorry I can't remember the name of the person or company but maybe you can try a google search or scan the classifieds.
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Tosha

"Of course, this is just my opinion...and I believe I am God." -- Christopher Bianco

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

Either the 1/8 inch thick or the 1/4 inch thick. Both will last for years after a couple of coats of polyurethane varnish. Home Depot or any other lumber store should have it. If you need to use the top immediately, make two and use one unpainted while the other cures. I like to stiffen the pegboard with a rectangle of 3/4 inch wood strips fastened on with a good glue, but that isn't mandatory.

BTW, I've had good luck with Betadine first aid cream. I think it is easier to use than a Betadine soak. And my experience has been that repeating the Betadine once or twice after the shed reduces the chance of the infection reappearing.

Good luck.

Paul Hollander