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  1. #1
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    Ball python has really dry skin.

    Hello,

    I'm fairly new to the ball pythons, I only have one, and it has really dry skin. He had a bad shed and is still working on getting a large piece of skin off. He also looks and feels really dry. I keep the humidity at 50-60% in the tank so I havn't a clue what the problem is.

    I have a UTH regulated at 90% and a dimmed heat lamp sitting on the top of the cage. Could the light be drying him out too much? Do I even need it?

    I've tried everything. I mist daily, sometimes even spraying him directly, however the skin patch from the shed just won't come off and he looks and feels really coarse and dry. especially around the head and neck area.

    Does anyone have any advice for me?
    Last edited by Compher; 10-07-2010 at 09:39 PM.
    0.0.1 normal ball python (Dante)

  2. #2
    Registered User AkHerps's Avatar
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    Humidity needs to be bumped up into the high 70-80% range during shed time.

    Lights will dry the air in the tank out and ruin your humidity, you don't need them unless your ambient air temps are super low.

    There is a DIY sticky for tank top lids that will help keep in humidity and heat.

    You can give him a steam bath in a couple inches of water in a closed container. The water should be warm, in the mid to low 80's. Leave him in their for about 10-15 minutes and he should be good.
    Last edited by AkHerps; 10-07-2010 at 09:49 PM.

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    Re: Ball python has really dry skin.

    Hey AkHerps, just saw your post about a DIY sticky for tank top lids. How would someone go about making one? I Have a screen top currently covered in towels (not all the way) but would like something that is waterproof. I cant keep my snakes temp up above 85. I have a UTH and a 100 watt heat emitter on top of the screen (40 gal tank thats why I chose 100w). I cant seem to keep her humidity and temp at the right levels. Any tips would help!

    Thanks


    Quote Originally Posted by AkHerps View Post
    Humidity needs to be bumped up into the high 70-80% range during shed time.

    Lights will dry the air in the tank out and ruin your humidity, you don't need them unless your ambient air temps are super low.

    There is a DIY sticky for tank top lids that will help keep in humidity and heat.

    You can give him a steam bath in a couple inches of water in a closed container. The water should be warm, in the mid to low 80's. Leave him in their for about 10-15 minutes and he should be good.

  4. #4
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    ok thank you kindly AkHerps. I'm going to turn off the light for the night and see what happens. The ambient temp never drops below 80 on the warm and 70 on the cool, even at night. So I'll try that out. I would try to give him a bath but he is really young and terrified of everything, I don't want to scare it to death.
    0.0.1 normal ball python (Dante)

  5. #5
    Registered User AkHerps's Avatar
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    How long have you had him? Has he eaten for you, and if he has, how many times?

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    I've had him for at least a month now. probably 5 weeks. He has eaten every 5 days without missing a beat taking the food within the first 3 minutes of putting it in the tank. I feed him frozen/thawed small adult mice. He is about 14-16 inches long.
    0.0.1 normal ball python (Dante)

  7. #7
    BPnet Veteran Jeo123's Avatar
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    I wouldnt "bathe" him like a sink, but you could try putting him in a sealed plastic container. Small containers are good because theyre prtty much just a super wet hide. Stress isnt that bad as long as the water isnt deep.

  8. #8
    Registered User AkHerps's Avatar
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    Yeah that's what I suggested. It may stress him out a little, but just do it for 5-10 minutes then, and make him "slither" through a washcloth that you are holding and his old skin will probably come off.

  9. #9
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    ok so i currently have him sitting in a plastic tub, bottom lined with paper towels sitting in a small puddle of warm water. will this be good enough? i'll try a half hour. I really need to get that skin off.
    0.0.1 normal ball python (Dante)

  10. #10
    BPnet Lifer angllady2's Avatar
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    Just to clarify, snakes are supposed to feel dry and smooth, not damp or slimy.

    Unless his skin is really saggy and loose, which indicates dehydration, he's probably fine. I remember thinking something was wrong with my Ball when it didn't feel damp to me. Then I learned they aren't supposed to feel that way.

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