If you’ve ever noticed that your ball python’s belly is more red than it should be, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many ball python owners have observed this change in their snake’s coloration and wondered what could be causing it.
There are a few possible reasons for why your ball python’s belly may be red. It could be due to a parasite infection or due to a reaction to something in their environment, like if the temperature is too hot or the humidity is too low.
It could also be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as liver disease or malnutrition but this is rare.
Thankfully, the most common reasons that your ball pythons belly will be red or a shade of pink is due to the snake being due a shed.
Is It Normal For A Ball Python To Have A Red Belly?
It is considered normal for a ball pythons belly to turn a reddy pink color prior to it shedding with this being natural.
All other causes of a red belly in a ball python should be considered as abnormal and you should seek the help of a reptile vet if you are concerned about your ball python’s health.
You can book a video call with a veterinarian to have them assess your pet ball python via the camera on your smartphone with this being a very quick and easy way to get professional advice on the condition.
What Causes A Red Belly In A Ball Python?
The most common cause of a red belly in ball pythons is due to the snake being about to shed its skin. This is a natural process that all reptiles go through and ball pythons are no different.
The old skin will start to loosen and come away from the new skin underneath which can sometimes look like a pinkish or red color. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.
Other potential causes of a red belly in ball pythons include:-
- Parasite Infections.
- Reactions To Something in Their Environment.
- Liver Disease
- Malnutrition.
- Friction Burns.
Lets take a more in-depth look at each of these below…
Parasite Infections.
One potential cause of a red belly in ball pythons is a parasite infection.
There are many different types of parasites that can affect reptiles and ball pythons are no different. The most common type of parasitic infection that ball pythons suffer from is known as Cryptosporidiosis which is caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite.
This parasite is highly contagious and can be passed on from snake to snake. It causes a number of symptoms including weight loss, lethargy, and a red or pink belly.
Reactions To Something in Their Environment.
Another potential cause of a red belly in ball pythons is a reaction to something in their environment.
This could be due to the temperature being too hot or the humidity being too low. If the conditions are not ideal, this can cause your ball python’s skin to dry out which can lead to a reddish or pinkish coloration.
Liver Disease
Liver disease is another potential cause of a red belly in ball pythons. This is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated so it’s important to get your ball python to a reptile vet as soon as possible if you suspect that this may be the problem.
Malnutrition.
Malnutrition is a less common cause of a red belly in ball pythons. This is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated but it is usually obvious due to the extreme weightloss in your snake before its belly turns pink or red.
Friction Burns.
Friction burns is another potential cause of a red belly in ball pythons. This usually occurs if your ball python has been rubbing up against something rough like a piece of bark or a branch that is not a suitable surface causing inflammation on the snakes belly.
Is Your Ball Pythons Belly Red Or Pink?
People often get worried when they see a red or pink hue forming on their ball pythons belly but a light to dark pink is usually more of an indication that the snake is about to shed.
Although a red hue can also just be an indication that your ball python is about to shed, it is more common that the other potential causes of a red belly in your ball python are present if the belly is actually red rather than if it is pink.
How Do I Treat A Ball Python With A Red Belly?
If you are concerned about your ball python’s red belly, the best course of action is to book a video call with a vet. They will be able to assess your ball python and give you professional advice on the best course of action to take.
In most cases, no treatment will be necessary as the red belly is just a sign that your ball python is about to shed. However, if the vet suspects that there is another underlying cause, they may recommend a course of treatment.
For example, if the vet suspects that your ball python has a parasite infection, they may prescribe a suitable anti-parasitic treatment, usually a cream. If the vet suspects that your ball python has liver disease, they will recommend a course of treatment that will usually involve antibiotics and other medications.
The problem is, it can be difficult to confirm the actual cause of the red belly in your ball python, especially if you are new to caring for the species. Even experienced ball python keepers can sometimes have problems and end up worried due to a pink or red belly on their snake even if it is due to natural causes with the snake being due a shed.
Should I Be Worried If My Ball Python Has A Red Belly?
If you are new to ball pythons, it is understandable that you may be worried if your ball python has a red belly. However, in most cases, there is no need to worry as the red belly is just a sign that the snake is due to shed its skin.
It is far less common that the red or pink belly on your ball python is due to anything else so for the most part, there is no need to worry.
Key Points!
Just as a reminder, here are the kep causes of a red or pink belly on a ball python:-
- The Snake Is Due A Shed.
- Parasite Infections.
- Reactions To Something in Their Environment.
- Liver Disease
- Malnutrition.
- Friction Burns.
