Incomplete Shed

[crispit1023]

I purchased my first ball python (Mr. Pink) just this past August after some extensive research. He (or she...in which case Mr Pink will be very confused) was only a few months old when I got him, as far as I know. He is currently in his second shed since I have had him. His first shed did not go so well, even though I maintained the humidity between 60-70%. The weather was starting to change at that time, and I was still trying to figure out how to maintain the temps (which I have since conquered). I figured it was due to my lack of experience and hoped it would go better the second time around. About a week and a half ago, I noticed he was preparing to shed again as he became less active and his eyes were blue. I immediately started checking the humidity several times daily to make sure it was adequate - I was determined to get it right this time. Today I finally noticed he has shed the skin from his face, including his eye caps, but that's it. The rest of his body has yet to shed.

So what should I do, if anything, to help him shed the rest of his skin? I have read several things, like soaking him in lukewarm water, or just leaving him alone till he resolves it himself, but I'm not sure which is right, especially since he only just started to shed today.

Additionally, how can I prevent this from happening yet again? I have read that incomplete shed can be caused by low humidity, malnutrition, or infection. As I said, I made sure to maintain the humidity, and despite some problems feeding him when I first got him, he eats just fine, usually every 7-10 days. Also, I made sure to buy a captive bred BP as I am under the impression they are less likely to carry parasites, etc...so I am confident he is not sick. What else can cause this and how can I fix it? I feel like a failure as a mother! :o(

Thanks in advance, and I apologize for the long-winded message - just trying to provide all the details.

[RestlessRobie]

I purchased my first ball python (Mr. Pink) just this past August after some extensive research. He (or she...in which case Mr Pink will be very confused) was only a few months old when I got him, as far as I know. He is currently in his second shed since I have had him. His first shed did not go so well, even though I maintained the humidity between 60-70%. The weather was starting to change at that time, and I was still trying to figure out how to maintain the temps (which I have since conquered). I figured it was due to my lack of experience and hoped it would go better the second time around. About a week and a half ago, I noticed he was preparing to shed again as he became less active and his eyes were blue. I immediately started checking the humidity several times daily to make sure it was adequate - I was determined to get it right this time. Today I finally noticed he has shed the skin from his face, including his eye caps, but that's it. The rest of his body has yet to shed.

So what should I do, if anything, to help him shed the rest of his skin? I have read several things, like soaking him in lukewarm water, or just leaving him alone till he resolves it himself, but I'm not sure which is right, especially since he only just started to shed today.

I would wait at least another 3-4 days before thinking of helping then I would take a damp (not wet) luke warm (80 degree or so) hand towel and place the towel and the snake in a pillow case tie the pillow case shut and place the snake and pillow case in the enclosure for an hour or so make sure to not place it directly under or over your heat source. The snake crawling around in the pillow case and towel will almost always get the rest of the shed off. Soaking a snake can lead to problem shedding so I try to avoid soaking for shed problem

Additionally, how can I prevent this from happening yet again? I have read that incomplete shed can be caused by low humidity, malnutrition, or infection. As I said, I made sure to maintain the humidity, and despite some problems feeding him when I first got him, he eats just fine, usually every 7-10 days. Also, I made sure to buy a captive bred BP as I am under the impression they are less likely to carry parasites, etc...so I am confident he is not sick. What else can cause this and how can I fix it? I feel like a failure as a mother! :o(

I dont think this was anything you did if you husbandry is good snakes just sometimes have a bad shed just check your temps and humidity and next shed should be fine

Thanks in advance, and I apologize for the long-winded message - just trying to provide all the details.

[olafsson]

The above advice is perfect.
Now sometimes after you bring your new snake home they have a couple of not so perfect sheds. A reason for this is if purchased at a show or shipped, chances are they have been stuck in a small dry container while transported to the show then put on display in the same container in a arena of some kind that is pretty dry with people poking and staring at them. They may be a little stressed and dehydrated at this point, so when you get them home they will take a little while to get used to their new home and your humidity levels.

The moral of the story is just up the humidity levels and let the little guy figure it out, they have been doing their thing for millions of years.