Dried out scales on back?

[MlizGr]

Alrighty. Though I'm still gunna be paranoid... I'm leaving for nearly a month next week, and while dad's agreed to keep an eye on him and I'm using the time to get him ready to burmiate so that his life is as normal as possible, I'm nervous about leaving him. But, I doubt he'd enjoy traveling to chicago with me as much as my dog will. So, minor antibacterial for this week, just in case and to give him an extra boost before I do leave.

Also, why do they always poo as soon as you clean their tank?! Not even a couple hours after I finish, almost every time I do it! GAH!

[guidofatherof5]

Also, why do they always poo as soon as you clean their tank?! Not even a couple hours after I finish, almost every time I do it! GAH!

That's just their way of saying thanks for all your hard work.

I think they are just trying to make it more their place. Scent marking if you will.
Of course, I have know proof that is what's going on. It just seem logical.

[MlizGr]

Well it doesn't do them any good. I just take the paper towel out, wipe down the spot, and put in new stuff. Annoying little thing. Hoping he'll get over that pretty quick.

[guidofatherof5]

Hoping he'll get over that pretty quick.

I wouldn't count on it.
He knows how to pull your chain.

[kibakiba]

Mama had a problem like this a few months back, she was really old and raggedy looking when I got her. I figured she'd be fine after she shed (went opaque a day after I caught her) and she was fine. She has little bent belly scales and some scales that looked slightly ripped but with every shed she looks better and better. I wouldn't worry yourself sick, St. George should be fine. And They all love pooping on things you clean, like Steve said, they do it as a way to thank you

[MlizGr]

Yeah.. I'm really greatful for the thanks.. Honestly. /sarcasm

[kibakiba]

Well they could be completely ungrateful... hiss, bite and musk you as a way of sarcastically thanking you for catching and locking them up in a little tank.

[ConcinusMan]

That's just their way of saying thanks for all your hard work.

I think they are just trying to make it more their place. Scent marking if you will.
Of course, I have know proof that is what's going on. It just seem logical.

Another possibility is all the moving around. I mean, my big girls a pretty lazy. They'll just lounge around and bask all day, hardly moving from their favorite spot. (cardboard tube near the basking lamp) but if I take them outside for a little sun and exercise, they'll zip around the lawn for a minute or two, pause and then, you guessed it - Leave a present.

Obviously when you clean the tank, the snakes have to move. This might just be what stimulates them to "leave a present"

[MlizGr]

Gah, I can't imagine taking St. George out ito the grass. When we go outside he's not allowed out of my hands. He's just too fast! If he took off I'm not sure I'd be able to catch him.

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah I can understand that but I have a huge, short lawn area and yes, my snakes move incredibly fast but not as fast as I am to cut them off from getting away. After a few minutes of trying, they get a bit pooped and start to settle down.

Simply handling them and allowing them to use your hands as a "treadmill" let's them get exercise too, so that will work. I just don't want my snakes getting too lazy and letting their muscle tone go to mush. That's particularly important if you're talking about big females that recently gave birth, or snakes you plan to breed.