Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a young Jungle Carpet Python hatchling (About 8-9 weeks old). I was concerned about him because he was soaking in his water dish constantly.
Thanks to people over in the Morelia section I’m pretty sure he has snake mites.

What I would like to know is how I can go about treating this and what are the best methods?

I now have him in a quarantine tank with paper towel substrate, branch, hide box and a water dish. So far he isn’t soaking anymore, just hanging out on the branchs. That could just be that he hasn’t found the water dish yet.

Thanks.

How did a hatchling get mites? Has it had access to other snakes?

This is a very young snake and the pro's and con's of treatment must be weighed carefully.

pro-mites can negatively affect young snakes moreso than adults due to their small size and blood volume.

con-It is very easy to overdose such a young and small reptile, and it's organs will most likely be damaged much easier than an older, mature snake. Even if dosing correctly, damage may carry on lifelong.

Before taking any step, I would be 100% certain that you are dealing with mites here. 95% won't cut it.Take a sample to someone (a long-time herper, vet, biologist ect) to see what they think if you are not certain.

In the mean time, offer fresh water, and clean the cage (changing the substrate) daily to minimize the numbers of mites. Also manually remove any that you see.

Get back to me once your 100% sure, and let me know how the animal and cage cleaning are going.

Good luck

Ian

Well yesterday I feed him a thawed fuzzy and noticed a live mite on his chin that was walking around.

I'm keeping the tank as clean as possible. I have two tanks that I'm alternating every two days. Disinfecting the tank that is not being used and letting it air out for 48 hours then switch the tanks.

The water is clean, changed daily but I've noticed he hasn't been soaking as much.

Humidity is more important than soaking as far as husbandry goes. It sounds like you are on the right track

Ian