Loose-ish Skin

[kimbosaur]

Something seems to be up with my baby. The past few days when I handled her, she felt different then when I first got her - like more squishy almost.

Today when I was trying to get a tail pic, I realized that her skin seems pretty loose. Like, I can grab a piece and pinch it together with my fingers. When I took a closer look at her belly, there was this weird dented/folded line down the middle. Also, i noticed when I run my fingers upwards on her belly, I can feel a distinct, rough edge to some of her belly scales. I can't remember if it was always like that or not.

Is something wrong?? :confused:
She's eating fine. Could it be a shed problem?

I got a pic of the belly wrinkle:

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/3186/31881510150291206325940.jpg

[katach]

Is she pooping?

[kimbosaur]

Haven't seen any poops!

Edit: I'm going to search for some now.

[RedSidedSPR]

I can't tell you since I can't feel her myself, but I doubt anythings wrong.

From what I can tell, the wrinkles are normal. Sometimes they even gt something like this, but it should go away (my flame) he just has it nothing wrong.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg41/scaled.php?server=41&filename=snakes023.jpg&res=iphone

Their skin isn't exactly tight... if you're really worried I can make a quick video of me messing with my snakes skin and show you...

But really, I doubt anythings wrong.

[kimbosaur]

Hey Jesse,
She has one of those too! Closer to her vent though.

When I did a little of a search just now, it said that loose skin can be caused by dehydration. I left the hood light on for a long, long time yesterday (didn't get home til late), and when I went to check now, it was completely evaporated! Like completely. I added fresh water and placed her in the bowl. She swam around and soaked in there for a couple of minutes. Maybe that's what was wrong.

I really hope she's good.

[kimbosaur]

Also, is it normal to be able to feel the edge of the belly scales?

[kibakiba]

I feel an edge sometimes when I'm holding my snakes, not very often though

[RedSidedSPR]

Yes.

Yup dehydration and malnutrition are the main causes, but I seriously doubt that's the problem.

I can have a video from my iPod, uploaded from my iPod up by tonight if seeing a normal loose skin will help. Won't be good qualitybas we list our computer so I can't upload from camera.

[katach]

I hope so too.

[kimbosaur]

Btw, thanks for the quick replies guys. I would otherwise be sitting here frantically hitting the refresh button for lord knows how long.

[kimbosaur]

I really dont see poop. I dug through the substrate and everything. But she's eating and if anything seems really "empty" rather than full. Like I said, it's like she's squishy and empty inside. I gave her a large meal today so we'll see. Ive only been feeding silversides and theyre pretty much completey white so maybe Im just not seeing the poops.

[katach]

Maybe try putting her on some paper towels until you see poop. Another idea is maybe someone can add a silverside poop photo to the Poop ID thread so you can see what you are looking for. I've put a request on that thread as well.

[d_virginiana]

Unless the belly scales start to look really rough around the edges it's no problem.

Also it's not weird to be able to pinch some skin or move their skin around a little. It's pretty elastic.

[guidofatherof5]

It's good that you are so observant with your snakes. Nice job.;)

[kimbosaur]

Yes.
I can have a video from my iPod, uploaded from my iPod up by tonight if seeing a normal loose skin will help. Won't be good qualitybas we list our computer so I can't upload from camera.

That'd be helpful if you wouldn't mind...:rolleyes:


Maybe try putting her on some paper towels until you see poop. Another idea is maybe someone can add a silverside poop photo to the Poop ID thread so you can see what you are looking for. I've put a request on that thread as well.

Thanks!


Unless the belly scales start to look really rough around the edges it's no problem.

Also it's not weird to be able to pinch some skin or move their skin around a little. It's pretty elastic.


Hmm, maybe I just didn't notice it before. I'll keep an eye out for changes.


It's good that you are so observant with your snakes. Nice job.;)

Not so much observant as incredibly paranoid! :rolleyes: This means all the more newbie-nonsense for all of you garter gurus. :p

[RedSidedSPR]

Figures. Our wireless is down until Friday. Can't do the video yet sorry.:(

It's normal too fell the scales sometimes.

Keep in mind snakes arent exactly firm...

[kimbosaur]

I wish I had another snake to compare it to. Any Canadian members out there that wouldn't mind having me come over to squish your babies' bellies? Don't be shy! :D

[Mommy2many]

Squishin' baby bellies! Sounds like fun!

[katach]

Our Maria has rough scales when she is about to shed. I usually notice a day or 2 before her eyes cloud.

[RedSidedSPR]

I wish I had another snake to compare it to. Any Canadian members out there that wouldn't mind having me come over to squish your babies' bellies? Don't be shy! :D

Here ya go. Next best thing!

Sorry, our Internet JUST came back on, so here's the video. Hope this helps.

Y6RyjU5417o

[kimbosaur]

Thanks! Seems about right.

[RedSidedSPR]

If it's like my video you got nothing to worry about.

[kimbosaur]

Yea, I guess I was overreacting. http://files.softicons.com/download/internet-icons/mazes-mini-icons-by-mazenl77/png/19/Emoticon%2005%20Blush.png

But she's my first snake ever so I'm paranoid. :D

[RedSidedSPR]

Actually, just few weeks ago I had the same paranoid concern... didn't think anything was really wrong, but I posted a thread asking how loose was too loose.

It's better to worry and ask, and find out that's she's fine, than shrug it off, or not ask, and her end up dead.:rolleyes: