Ball pythons are currently one of the top three most comonly kept reptiles in the world with bearded dragons being first and ball pythons, corn snakes, and leopard geckos usually rotating between second, third, and fourth spot.
In recent months, ball pythons have been seeing increased popularity due to some viral photographs and videos of pet ball pythons on social media too.
This has resulted in a number of people going out and adding their very first ball python to their family and although this is great to see, it also means that there has been a surge of questions about keeping a pet ball python recently too.
One question that we have seen people asking time and time again is about their pet ball pythons scales lifting so we wanted to publish this article to try and help as many of our readers as possible.
We would like to say that ideally, you would be booking a video call with a veterinarian to get custom advice to the specific circumstances that your pet ball python is currently in.
That said though, we have some general information that should be able to help you get a better idea of why your ball python’s scales are lifting.
Is It Normal For My Ball Pythons Scales To Be Lifting?
In some cases, it can be totally normal for your ball python scales to be lifting, especially if it is due a shed and in this situation, it is generally nothing to worry about.
Unfortunately though, in some cases your ball pythons scales may be lifting due to a potentially serious problem such as scale rot.
This is why we recommended that you get professional advice from a vet as scale rot is a serious issue that can end up being fatal and needs to be treat as quickly as possible to give your snake the best chances of survival.
Why Are My Ball Pythons Scales Lifting?
There are a number of reasons why your ball pythons scales may be lifting and we have listed some of the most common ones below.
1. Your Ball Python Is Due A Shed
One of the most common reasons for your ball pythons scales to be lifting is due to your snake being due a shed.
When snakes are due a shed, their skin will start to loosen and this can often cause their scales to lift too.
If your ball python is due a shed, you will usually be able to tell as their colours will start to fade and they may start to go off their food too.
2. Your Ball Python Is Stressed
Another common reason for your ball pythons scales to be lifting is stress.
Ball pythons can get stressed for a number of reasons such as being kept in an enclosure that is too small, not being handled enough, or even due to changes in their environment such as new furniture being added to the room they are kept in.
3. Your Ball Python Has Scale Rot
In some cases, your ball pythons scales may be lifting due to a serious condition known as scale rot.
Scale rot is a bacterial infection that can occur if your ball python is kept in an enclosure that is too humid or if their skin becomes damaged.
If left untreated, scale rot can quickly spread and become fatal so it is important to get professional help as soon as possible if you think your ball python may have scale rot.
4. Your Ball Python Is Overweight
Another potential reason for your ball pythons scales to be lifting is due to them being overweight.
If your ball python is overweight, this can put strain on their skin which can cause their scales to lift.
It is important to make sure that your ball python is a healthy weight as being overweight can lead to a number of health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
5. Your Ball Python Has Mites
In some cases, your ball pythons scales may be lifting due to them having mites.
Mites are tiny parasitic creatures that can live on the skin of your ball python and they can cause a number of problems such as irritation, infection, and even scale rot.
If you think your ball python has mites, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible as mites can quickly spread and become a serious problem.
Here is a quick summary of the more common reasons that your ball pythons scales may be lifting:-
- Your Ball Python Is Due A Shed
- Your Ball Python Is Stressed
- Your Ball Python Has Scale Rot
- Your Ball Python Is Overweight
- Your Ball Python Has Mites
What Does Scale Rot Look Like On Ball Pythons?
Scale rot is a serious condition that can be fatal to your ball python if it is left untreated.
Scale rot usually starts as a small patch of dry, flaky skin which can quickly spread and become infected.
If you think your ball python has scale rot, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible as this condition can quickly become life-threatening.
What Are The Treatment Options For Scale Rot In Ball Pythons?
If your ball python has scale rot, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible.
Scale rot is a serious condition that can quickly become fatal if it is left untreated.
The treatment for scale rot will usually involve a course of antibiotics which will need to be given to your ball python by a qualified vet.
How Can I Prevent Scale Rot In My Ball Python?
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent scale rot in your ball python:-
1. Keep Their Enclosure Clean
It is important to keep your ball pythons enclosure clean as a dirty enclosure can be a breeding ground for bacteria which can cause scale rot.
2. Keep Their Enclosure Dry
It is also important to keep your ball pythons enclosure dry as too much humidity can lead to scale rot.
3. Don’t Handle Them When They Are shedding
If your ball python is shedding, it is important not to handle them as this can damage their skin and make them more susceptible to scale rot.
4. Get Professional Help If You Think They Have Scale Rot
If you think your ball python has scale rot, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible as this condition can quickly become life-threatening.
5. Seek Professional Advice Before Getting A Ball Python
If you are thinking of getting a ball python, it is important to seek professional advice first as they can be susceptible to a number of health problems such as scale rot.
Can Ball Python Regrow Scales?
If your ball python has lost some of their scales, it is possible for them to regrow these scales.
However, it is important to seek professional advice if your ball python has lost a significant number of scales as this can be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem.
