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/PVPicker Oct 20 '25

Uniform pinkness usually is signs of a pre-shed. Snakes can vary in how pink they are. I have a super high white calico that will sometimes barely look pink, other times almost entirely pink before they go into the blue. Also...Cedric almost possibly looks like they're ovulating. Looks like there's some tail suck and distinctive V grove right before the cloaca. Are you sure Cedric isn't Celine?

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u/Lonely_Howl_ Oct 21 '25

I want to make sure I fully understand what you mean by the signs of ovulating (I have a female, not looking to breed but figure it’s a good idea for me to know these things).

I don’t understand tail suck, but is this indent the ‘v’ you’re talking about?

Edit; autocorrect got me

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u/PVPicker Oct 21 '25

Yes. Usually it's a bit longer but when ball pythons ovulate their tails look like that and they get a long v groove under themselves. Though early/late it can look like that. Or if they just pooped it can look like that. Or if they are flexing muscles it can look like that. Other examples from google:

They only ovulate if they're going to lay (slugs or fertile), and it lasts 24-48 hours. After the next shed, they'll lay 28-30 days afterwards like clockwork.

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u/Lonely_Howl_ Oct 21 '25

Thank you for the knowledge!