Is my ball python's blue-gray hue normal or a morph variation?

It is difficult to determine due to the lighting/color of the image. Pythons eyes will bulge out a bit and some have a genetic defect that causes pronounced bulging. This is not normal. Monitor for discharge, cloudiness or redness. If the bulging is just on one side, that is also cause for concern (tumor, trauma, infection) and should be addressed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

Hi, Yes this could be normal. Please check him for mites (little parasites that may look like little red dots moving around). If you cannot see many, and assuming that Pie is eating well and shedding regularly there is no cause for concern.

A healthy ball python will have smooth skin, clear eyes, no discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth, have a clean vent and be active and we'll muscled. If you buy from a shop, be sure the snake has been kept in an appropriate, clean enclosure. This is a great article about what to look for before purchasing a python: http://royalpython1.tripod.com/id13.html

Thanks for reaching out about Diablo. As long as still eating, defecating and acting normal, there is minimal concerns. Is he hanging out in the water bowl? This could be an indication of a parasitic enteritis. If still worried, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic plan. Good luck.

Periscoping is normal. Most snakes do it when hungry or if curious or I in an object. "Stargazing" (staring straight up, nose pointed upwards) is of concern and may indicate serious viral infection. The lost scales may have been due to low humidity during her latest shed. You can gently clean the spot with dilute Betadine solution or chlorhexidine. A thin film of triple antibiotic ointment can be used if indicated. She should heal up fine. If it does heal or begins to spread, have her examined by your herp veterinarian.

Once he acclimates to his new home, he may become more active. Ball pythons are mostly nocturnal also, so if the room is bright he may seek dark spots and come out at dusk or overnight. Keep a large bowl of water in the tank. A deep layer of porous substrate may hold moisture longer. You can even add some moss. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity. If it's too high, you can predispose your python to respiratory infection.

If there is discharge, this may mean infection. Have Butters examined by an experienced herp veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. It may indeed be advanced scale rot or a burn. You can request a consultation to share images. It may also be a bad shed if Butters has shed recently. Until he sees the vet, keep him on paper towels or other substrate that is easily cleaned and won't contaminate or stick to his abdomen. If you have a heat rock or UTH, check the rheostat to make sure it is still functioning.