face rubbing

[Davo66]

Hi all,
Prior to introducing a fem coastal to my male coastal I noticed he was rubbing the side of his head, ie side of mouth area along branches and walls of his enclosure. Since introducing the female about 48 hours ago I have notice she is now doing the same actions. She mostly wipes her mouth across her our body.
I have looked closely at both pythons and I can not see anything which resemble mites. I have even paid special attention to the inside of their mouths when they yawn and stretch but can not see any discolouration, swelling or anything which looks painful.
I think they may be preparing for a shed as it has been about 2-3 months since the male shed, and, according to the previous owner of the female she hasn't shed this year I think.
If it isn't pre-shed behaviour does anyone have an idea of what could be causing this kind of behaviour? My male has shed many times but I have never seen him so occupied with this behaviour.

Cheers, Davo

[JandC_Reptiles]

Hi Davo,
The female has shed several times this year, but not for several months as she has been cooling the last 2. From memory the last shed was approx 1 month before april (cant remember exactly as I deleted her info when you purchased her) Sorry I can't help you out with info, it has got me stumped as I had never witnessed that behaviour from her apart from getting the start of shed skin attached to a branch in her enclosure. More than likely about to shed & they are trying to get the skin on the head started.

If you are worried at all & would like a refund it just so happens I need a female lol

[Davo66]

G'Day mate,
If I had to make a bet I would say it is pre-shed. She is looking a little baggy around the neck and back of the head. Her eyes appear slightly cloudy but I am not sure because her eyes seem to be s different colour to my boys. (God I am now looking ito snakes eye, Get a life Davo! lol)
Thanks for the up date though, out of interest sake I will let you know what transpirers.

Davo

[Bonustokin]

Davo iv got a female and male mac, and the male done excatly what u decribed above a few days b4 shedding..... he had shed once b4 for me, and i didnt see him do it, but defentally the 2nd time....
First shed, came off no worries, but the 2nd shed, he had some problems getting it off, it took a few soakings and he got it off...... saying this, maybe its a indication that they might be having troubles beginning to shed.....
not 100% tho, im not very experienced myself
peace

[serpenttongue]

I have noticed pythons rubbing their chins along each others bodies before mating(possible foreplay), maybe thats what yours are doing. Either that or preparing to shed.