Hey! im a new ball python owner who just got a ball python a month ago. Im concerned with some of the scales on her stomach because they seem to be chipped and peeling and i was wondering if it was scale damage or scale rot. if so, how can i treat it? it wasnt like this when i got her so i have no idea what im doing wrong and i would like to fix it
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Welcome to the community! For starters you will need to provide information on the total setup that your ball python is in including type on enclosure, what is in it,type of substrate, temps and humidity, etc….
Are there any sharp edges on any of the items in the enclosure?
Pictures of setup would be helpful. Others will chime in after you supply more information because there could be any number of things causing the scale damage……
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At a glance, I don’t see anything too worrying. It could just be some scuffs from climbing on a rough surface in the enclosure. Sometimes as they get closer to shedding the belly scales can get a bit flakey at the edges because of it.
Also as a heads up, if they are getting close to shedding, sometimes the belly can start to look pink and the rest of the snake will look dull and dark with pale blue or milky eyes.
Just in case though, as Caron said, more info on the setup and temps can help us figure out if there are any potentially worrying signs.
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Right now her warm side is around 80, and her cool side is 76. The humidity on both sides is 45% i am currently using a mix of coconut fiber and reptisoil for her substrate
She is also around 10 years old if it helps idk and it has been 2 months since she has last eaten i think she is still trying to adjust to her new environment but i will offer her another rat next week.
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Ok so you need to up the hot side to between 86 and 88 degrees with 90 being the maximum. The humidity is good. There are a lot of different things in the tank that others may spot as being an irritant.
As @armiyana Christina said, she could be getting ready to shed, which may be a factor. Definitely raise the temp on the hot side……
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is there anything i can use to maintain heat? ive insulated the cage with hvac tape and foil insulation and i am currently using two basking bulbs, a ceramic heat emitter and a uvb light but its not enough. i heard under tank heaters were bad so i stayed away from them.
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No under tank heaters are not bad. That’s all I use. Glass does not hold heat well so you will need an uth to supplement. This is probably why your BP has not eaten yet. You don’t have to attach the heat mat. Just slide it under the tank on top same side your heat light is…….
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Make sure the heat mat is controlled with a thermostat, rheostat or dimmer switch. Using heat mats not controlled with such is when they can cause an issue.
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Yes I should have added that! Thanks! 
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That type of insulation on an enclosure that large, with heat sources that small isn’t going to do much, if anything. As for UTHs, they aren’t bad, you just need to know when and how to use them properly. In this case I’d consider looking into a radiant heat panel if you’re having issues keeping your temperatures up.
This enclosure is mostly PVC. While you can use a UTH with a PVC enclosure, it’s going to have a harder time heating depending on the thickness of the bottom piece.
Absolutely not, heat mats need to be secured to the enclosure and have an air gap or you risk overheating/fire/shortening the lifespan of the mat, not to mention in many cases void any warranty. Many mats will come with adhesive clear rubber feet to place on the corners of the enclosure to give an air gap.
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Yep my bad! I didn’t realize this was a pvc enclosure. I did have stackable under tank heat panels when I had my pvc enclosures but the enclosures came with tiny pins underneath them to create air flow. Too many years have passed!
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Even with glass tanks, the heat will shatter the bottom if not properly maintained with a t-stat and the little ‘feet’ lifting the enclosure.
This is very close but not quite correct. At least for how I like to maintain.
The hot side should ideally be around 85 degrees. The hot spot/basking spot should be no higher than 90.
If the air on the hot side is too warm it can lead to dehydration and shedding issues. If it goes over 90 you can risk causing neurological issues as well.
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Holy cow! I should have totally left this thread alone! 
. This is surely not my day!
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Ok so I am going to try a stab at one more suggestion @avajpvv88! Depending on where you got your enclosure you may be able to get some “accessories” made specifically for said enclosure such as the radiant heat panel or an under tank heat panel. When I bought my pvcs I was able to add any accessories I wanted at the time because each enclosure was built to order…
Ok I am done!
Edit to add: does that pvc enclosure have a screen top? If so that might rule out the use of a radiant heat panel. But of course I could be wrong! If it’s indeed a screen top that made me assume it was a glass tank. I think! .
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