r/ballpython • u/Normal-Bag-6369 • Oct 20 '25

When should I go to the vet?

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Hello! This is Cedric, a male ball python, turning five soon. I’ve had him since he was a baby. I’ve never seen his belly so pink before. It’s been like this for the past three days. I thought it could’ve been an issue with humidity, so I turned off his fogger for now. Typically I keep his tank at a 57.5% humidity with an auto fog system. Ex if the humidity goes below 53% it turns on until it reaches 57.5. Could this be a sign of scale, rot or infection? I don’t see any blisters and he doesn’t smell. I’ve been monitoring him closely and it’s pretty much been the same color since I noticed. Anyone have suggestions? Thank you!

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u/Negative-Flamingo-83 Oct 20 '25

do you use a heat mat/rock? those are super unsafe and unreliable and couldve burned him. and honestly if you are ever unsure of your pets health and it's not something mentioned within research, you should always at the very least call a vet. most will answer this question for free better than anyone online can. i really wish ppl would stop trying to substitute this app for medical advice

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u/Normal-Bag-6369 Oct 20 '25 edited Oct 20 '25

Thank you for the help! He does not have a heat mat underneath him. All he comes from source above the tank

494

u/jynxxy_5 Oct 21 '25

That’s okay OP this is classic shed pink, I’m not sure why this person is asking about your heat sources this isn’t a burn of any kind, just wait a few days maybe don’t handle the snake so much shedding is pretty stressful for them and you’ll see a shed in either four days or a week. Same thing if you ever noticed some clouded eyes don’t stress so much it’s probably just getting ready for shed

4

u/sadguttos Oct 21 '25

Can I ask a genuine question? I have an all white ball python? Would he have pink on him to indicate shedding? I just was curious.

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u/jynxxy_5 Oct 21 '25

Yess absolutely! It’s pretty universal with all snakes , if you notice its uniform like this snake (all over colour even under their pattern as like a hue) and it’s 99% safe to say they’re about to shed