Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

forlanrules · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 3:07 pm Post subject: mites?

What do mites look like? and how do you know if your snakes got them? Noticed a few black marks on a couple of scales after his shed, and the black marks look out of place, its not part of his patterning.
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ReptileResort · Key Member Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 216

not 100 % as i have never had any but from what ive seen while reading and on crock hunter lol they are small ,black , but if you wash or rub them will not come off they have to be pulled off , but i wouldn't incase i hurt it lol , if its dirt it will wash away , if they are markings or pigments they will be apart of the scale , i would get a magnifing glass and have a good look if it rased on the scale it could be , but they don't move as much as would of thought mite to , i would show a vet to be safe lol
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1 Coastal Carpet - Syrus
1 Iguana - Lilly
2 Chinese Water Dragons - Stitch & Ollie
3 Bearded Dragons - Sandie, Spike & Mue
1 Petri sand Gecko
1 Banded Gecko my daughters|15baby beardies

Dan · Captivebred Communist Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 1306

If it is mites the eyes will likely be withdrawn and the fold of skin on the bottom jaw is a good place to find them.
They will rub off, just run your hand down the snake and they will be on your hands. Alternatively these balck marks you see could be mites just under the fold of the scales. Lightly pinch the area so the scales raise up then use a finger nail to see if there is anything under the scale.

If they are mites they will run around on your hands, get one on a nail and apply pressure with another nail (not a finger pad as it wont work) and it will pop, leaving a little smear of blood on your nail.

THE single most common place to find them is in the eye socket, if you can gently manipulate the skin around the eye socket you may be able to see some around the eye ball.

If you have them there are plenty of remedies to get rid of them so it really isnt anything to worry about.
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ReptileResort · Key Member Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 216

i stand corrected lol i was,nt to sure but good info dan i remeber for next time , or just incase mine end up with any , thinger crossed i won't
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1 Coastal Carpet - Syrus
1 Iguana - Lilly
2 Chinese Water Dragons - Stitch & Ollie
3 Bearded Dragons - Sandie, Spike & Mue
1 Petri sand Gecko
1 Banded Gecko my daughters|15baby beardies

forlanrules · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:38 pm Post subject:

Cheers Dan mate Very Happy

, after looking at him closer i think its discolouration in the scales, i couldn't get near his head he's still abit skittish when my hands go for his head.
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I love playing with my snake!!