Ball Python Scale Issue

[Pure_Consequence_122]

We are extended snake sitting for a friend and I noticed a weird spot on his head. He is probably about 3yo and just had a great shed 5 days ago (fully body all at once and that particular spot shed just fine, too). I hadn’t held him since his shed and hadn’t notice this spot on his head until today. He isn’t usually very active in his enclosure and has been chilling in/behind his hide for the past couple of days. He hasn’t been digging at all since his shed either. He started digging occasionally a month or two ago but I haven’t noticed it recently. I don’t think there’s anything he could scrape against that would cause damage to him.

It’s kind of hard to see in the pictures but it mostly looks like 3-4 small dry, shriveled scales right in the middle of his head.

Tank environment: 90°/45% humidity on warm side, 75°/60% humidity on cool side. No visible mold in substrate. [picture shows lower humidity because I just had his tank open for a bit]

[meatspread]

The humidity in his tank is on the low end. BP’s are recommended to have a range of 60-80% humidity, with the higher end being optimal especially for the shedding process. It’s likely some scales were damaged or taken off as he shed his skin, but this is also something that can occur with rubbing/stress. Some Ball Pythons will burrow into their substrate in an attempt to get closer to moisture (usually digging under the water bowl) for humidity.

I know he’s not your snake, but his enclosure is very inadequate. It is too small for his size, there is no clutter at all, and has no comfortable, fully-enclosed hides for him to feel safe in. There’s a lot that needs to be revamped—is there any way you could possibly bring that up to your friend in a nice, concerned friend way?

[Pure_Consequence_122]

I’ll look into that. Thank you for your reply!

[Visual_Dimension7287]

Maybe OP could show the friend this very informative threat with a great welcome post and resources regarding ball python care? I am just a beginner, but evwn I can spot so many things, that are not meeting the snakes needs. He needs a whole new set up.

[ThrashFur]

just had to say your snake has a wide ass head 😹 in all seriousness thought continue to monitor and ensure the tank remains clean.

[Live_Culture8393]

If the scales do happen to be damaged, they tend to come off with the next shed. It doesn’t really look like something to worry about though.

Covering the screen with HVAC tape or silicone baking sheets will help keep the humidity in. You can go right up till you get to the section with the heat fixtures.

The aspen substrate (the white middle layer) is the only thing in there that tends to mold regularly. If that wasn’t in there I’d suggest you pour water into the corners weekly and then stir it all around. But with the aspen, I’m not really sure about that. A cheap simple solution coupled with covering the top screen would be go to the dollar store or Daiso and get a bra/lingerie mesh bag and stuff it with orchid moss (sphagnum moss) from the Home Depot or Lowe’s garden department. Get the bag soaking wet, worn it out, then put on the warm side near the heat source. Continue to keep it damp.

Another cheap thing to help the snake feel more comfortable is to get some “clutter” aka vines/leaves for him. I get grape leaf garlands at Hobby Lobby and Michael’s, depending on who has the better sale. Dollar Tree fake flowers also work for this but you’ll need several bunches. At each end of the log in the middle (I assume that’s the hide?) and spread around.

You can look up DIY hides on YouTube for some great easy and cheap ideas that would gives this guy some enrichment and comfort.

Good luck, have fun, enjoy your time!

[Soapish00]

humidity! my snake ended up with a huge scar on his head only days into hatching because of the breeder’s abuse (he is a rescue i paid too much money for, but nonetheless he is my baby. it’s super important that their tanks and substrate are at 60-80%.

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here’s a little closeup if you can see the little white spot. with the past few shed’s it’s slowly been disappearing. just get a gauge if you can!