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My ball python is soaking, not eating, and has red patches. Is it ill?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My ivory ball python is soaking a lot, not eating , and her color is bad she use to be all white now has red patches and it comes and goes , we have lost 3 snakes in the past week with no warning , they had a brown dark blood discharge coming from there mouth after death please help we are trying to save what snakes we have left I'm not sure it's connected , they all have clean water clean habitats they eat live feeder rats all haven't ate in a few months i have sent a photo of ivory .

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 31st, 2018

I am sorry for the loss of your snakes. Ideally, Ivory should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet, especially in light of your recent losses. The spots could indicate infection (bacterial, fungal or even a viral condition). It is difficult to make a detrmination by looking at an image.
In the meantime, clean and sanitize all the enclosures, bowls, hides and tank furniture. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Wash your hands thoroughly between handling each snake. Confirm, again if necessary, proper environmental parameters. Low temps can lead to stress which may predispose a snake to infection or illness. High humidity can foster bacterial or fungal overgrowth. Consider using paper towels as substrate until the issue is resolved. Change them daily to maintain clean conditions.
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