Your Reptile and Amphibian Resource and Information Site

Back to Ball Python Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area  

Ball Python Forum

Kalnizz   Anouk   Anouk   Nate304   Isabela   Kalnizz   Isabela   Kalnizz   Isabela  
 Member  Message

 #2092385


Kalnizz
View Profile

 Hey guys shedding question

my snake has been shedding for like 4 days straight. and his skin hasnt realy been peeling off at all. i checked him yesterday and it seemed as though he was fraying in the middle instead of one solid piece of shed. I keep his humidity up and he has a water bowl in his tank.

My question is, how long does a normal shed take?

And why isnt he shedding in one piece? is that normal?
11/05/09  06:24pm

 #2092398


Anouk
View Profile



   Message To: Kalnizz   In reference to Message Id: 2092385


 Hey guys shedding question

What is the humidity in his tank? Does he have something to rub against?

I have seen it suggested (and work) numerous times on this forum to put the snake in a wet (wrung out) pillowcase (return him to enclosure for warmth) for about an hour. You may need to gently rub the snake with a washcloth to get all the shed off. Others have put wet /wrung out towels on the bottom of the enclosure and let the snake crawl on them. Others put their snake in a tub to soak for about 20 min (make sure they aren’t having to swim to keep their head out of the water).

As far a how long it takes, not sure how to answer. The whole process can take a few weeks, I notice Anouk’s belly scales get caught on things easier and his eyes and skin get less bright. Then his stomach turns pink. Then his eyes get blue and he looks dull and dry. Then his eyes turn black and he looks less dull, but has more brown than gold coloring. He usually sheds within a couple days. Once he starts the process (rubbing his nose) he has his shed off in 45 min to 1 1/2 hrs. He has only had one bad shed that I have had to help him with.
11/05/09  06:51pm

 #2092399


Anouk
View Profile



   Message To: Anouk   In reference to Message Id: 2092398


 Hey guys shedding question

Ideally, he should shed in one piece. Be sure to make sure his eye caps, nostrils, vent, and tail tip shed since these can be problem areas if the shed stays stuck (especially eye caps).
11/05/09  06:55pm

 #2092439


Nate304
View Profile



   Message To: Anouk   In reference to Message Id: 2092399


 Hey guys shedding question

i vouch for the pillow case method. i personaly used that with perfect sucess. just make sure you tie it shut and put it on the hot side. so the cooling water doesnt cool them down too much.
11/05/09  08:16pm

 #2092440


Isabela
View Profile



   Message To: Anouk   In reference to Message Id: 2092399


 Hey guys shedding question

The shedding process. Link
Tips to help a bad shed. Link

Once they start removing their old skin it should come off in one piece that is completed in a timely manner (not over the course of days).

Stuck sheds happen to everyone so its not something you should beat yourself up about. However, as time moves on from when the snake first tried removing the skin, it gets harder and harder to remove it so act quickly!

And what are you reading your humidity with?

Dennis
11/05/09  08:17pm

 #2092484


Kalnizz
View Profile



   Message To: Isabela   In reference to Message Id: 2092440


 Hey guys shedding question

at about 64 percent, right now, we mist in the morning. Umm Husbandry... lets see.... about 89-94 on the hot side then about 72-75 on the cool side.

He is on wood shavings. a water bowl, half log hide.

he has been all grey and wrinkly for about 4 days now and he doesnt seem to be improving. i mist the cage once daily and mist him directly once daily.

I will give it about 2 or 3 more days then i will try the pillow case idea if no improvement. Thanks for the tips guys



11/05/09  11:05pm

 #2092523


Isabela
View Profile



   Message To: Kalnizz   In reference to Message Id: 2092484


 Hey guys shedding question

Has some of the shed already started to come off? If so, then its tome to start working the techniques now. I’d start with a 20-30minute bath+ a wet wash cloth afterward to help remove the skin.



11/06/09  01:31am

 #2092535


Kalnizz
View Profile



   Message To: Isabela   In reference to Message Id: 2092523


 Hey guys shedding question

hmmm, hasnt quite come off at all, it just looks like its fraying in the bottom middle of his belly i will deff give him a long soak tomorrow and try the wash cloth thing. i will keep you updated
11/06/09  04:53am

 #2092569


Isabela
View Profile



   Message To: Kalnizz   In reference to Message Id: 2092535


 Hey guys shedding question

Pictures would help.

Even if he hasn’t started removing it yet, it sounds like this shed might be trouble. I think giving him a soak is a good idea, but don’t start removing this skin unless he tries to first.



11/06/09  08:59am


Back to Ball Python Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area