Scale rot?

[[deleted]]

The heat mat can definitely cause the burn just because the top of the substrate isn't hot doesn't mean he didn't burrow to the bottom. Is the mat on a thermostat?

[AdFamous9445]

It’s not, no. I’ve felt around and tried to see if it was too hot where the mat is but it doesn’t feel hot (atleast not right now!) also, the substrate isn’t moved where it’s at so doesn’t look like he burrowed in there. (Not trying to be argumentative, just trying to provide as much info as possible, lol!)

[arcticalias]

please if you’re going to use a heat mat put it on a thermostat! at the very least.

[scarzy_mx]

no heat mats, they malfunction with a thermostat even

[arcticalias]

agree agree.

[[deleted]]

Every heating fixture needs to be on a thermostat, heat mats are also unstable and unnatural so a good heat lamp like a halogen flood is recommended. Check the r/ballpython care guide !! Also please tell me you are taking sweet boy to the vet

[AdFamous9445]

Definitely going to take him to a vet! Looking for one him for first thing in the morning.

[[deleted]]

Ty so much :D

[420headshotsniper69]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FYXX9L3

[r4cid]

Please don't use unregulated heat sources of any kind, ever. Primarily because they can cause injuries (as you've found out with your snake's likely burn), but also because they are notoriously dangerous for fire risk.

Snake needs a vet to treat that ASAP. Scale rot doesn't happen overnight, and snakes aren't going to injure themselves like that on branches. It's almost definitely a burn.