Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently (and stupidly) bought a baby snake at my local reptile show without taking it out of the deli-cup...the snake is about 2-3 months old, was in excellent body weight, active, alert, and tongue flicking...when I got it home, it curled up under the paper towel substrate in its plastic critter keeper and I was able to see its underside through the clear plastic...there is what appears to be a fairly deep longitudinal slit, about 1/4" long, fairly far down on its stomach, about where its belly button would be...there also appears to be a small black scab imbedded in the middle...the area is not red, inflamed, or swollen looking and the snake ate two pinkies last night with no problem...what is this? Should I be concerned? Thanks for any and all information...

SR

I think you hit the head on the nail without even knowing it. It is very likely the snake's belly button that you are seeing. Is this a neonate? A picture would help me to confirm, but if you are unsure, you can have it inspected by a local snake breeder, veterinarian, or someone else familiar with snakes.

Enjoy your new pet!
Ian

Thanks so much for the quick reply...I do think I'm looking at the snake's belly button, but I've never seen an open one on a baby snake (and I've seen many babies) and I don't think he's a neonate...probably a couple of months old...still, what you said is reassuring and since the snake seems to be fine otherwise, I'll relax...thanks again...

SR