Shedding Help

[RoyalBlue]

When my ball python sheds, it's coming off in pieces, some large pieces and some small pieces. I've been doing my research and I've read that the shed should come off almost whole, and easily. She is about 5y/o now. I have her on a cypress mulch substrate and inside her tank she has a large water bowl in the middle, a hide box on the warm side of the tank, and some artificial foliage and branches for climbing/hiding on the cooler side. I use a CHE rather than an UTH to keep things warm. I do not have a hygrometer, although I'm planning to get one soon! So I'm curious if the shedding issue is because perhaps her humidity is not where it should be? I can't think of anything else, so any input would be greatly appreciated! I just want to make sure I'm not doing anything wrong.

[JodanOrNoDan]

Yes, 99% chance you have a humidity issue. Tanks are notoriously hard to deal with when it comes to humidity. Take a look at the sticky threads on tank setup in the husbandry section. These should point you in the right direction to resolving your problem.

[Craiga 01453]

Yes, most likely a humidity issue. Sounds like you would benefit from doing some basic husbandry homework. You've come to a great place to learn.
Study the threads on this forum and make some changes. Once set up properly you'll start seeing some one-piece sheds.

[RoyalBlue]

Thanks! I adopted her from my younger brother, he's gone to college and doesn't have much time for her so I took her in. My only experience with reptiles is with bearded dragons and they are definitely quite different, haha! I'm a beginner with snakes and I wanted to make sure I'm doing all of this right. I'll check out those pages now!!

[JustinGatCat]

I find tubs to be easier to maintain heat and humidity. Pua has had 2 wonderful sheds under my care, and he is getting nice and healthy too in his setup. Coconut bedding holds humidity well too.


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[Zincubus]

That's an excellent attitude to have

He'll be fine in the tank but it's just a tad harder to keep the humidity up - it is easy enough though as you will see . As soon as the eyes go cloudy / milky I make sure I spray the viv each day and as soon as the eyes clear I give the viv and good spray a few times each day until the shedded skin comes off in one messy lump