Head skin hasn't shed

[cookielooki]

Hello! My ball recently had a bad shed (came off in pieces).. I adjusted his heat/humidity and I'm hoping the next shed will be better, but I'm still having problems.
In order to help him get the skin off I gave my ball a one hour soak and ran him through a wet cloth, which allowed me to get all the skin off his body, but I left his head alone since I didn't want to hurt his eyes or scare him (he's very headshy)
He hasn't rubbed the skin on his head off, and it's still on him (it's been almost a week and a half since he shed)
Is there any good way to help him get it off, i.e another soak, or should I just leave it? I have a feeling it's impairing his vision, since he had trouble striking his mouse the other night.

Thank you for any information or advice! And please let me know if this is in the wrong thread

[hector.4191]

Idk if this will help but have you seen the YouTube video with Brian, check snake bytes tv fixing snake problems, it helped me when I had an issue with my little noodle, I hope that helps!


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[Jynxx25]

I have a white leucistic that is the same way every shed (head skin issues). This is what I tried, each works well.

First and foremost, always soak before attempting any of these. I usually have mine soak for at least 30 mins.

Option 1 - Get the snake use to getting it's head touch
My snake was (and in some ways is still) the same, in that she does not like her head touched. But after a good soaking and around 15 mins of slowly touching her head area, I am able to. It is not perfect, in she can and will flinch and move, but it has become better with each handling.

In addition, you may want to handle often and build a trust with head petting.

Option 2 - Leave a scouring pad in the enclosure
I seen one YouTuber use this trick that works for him and his snakes. He uses the type that is part sponge and part scouring pad. He keeps it moist and leaves it in the snake's enclosure for the duration of the shed.

Option 3 - Use box handler work gloves
A friend of mine uses box handler work gloves to aid his snakes through tough sheds after a good soak. He uses the ones that have tacky rubber on the fingers and fingertips.

Option 4 - Do what Brian does
As mentioned by the previous member; Brian Barczyk uses a rubber finger pad to gently rub off any stuck shed pieces after a soak. You can find these at Staples, Wal-mart, ...

Hope this helps and good luck,
Galen

[Craiga 01453]

Before going any further....

Are the eye caps still intact???

[cookielooki]

Ah thank you very much! That's all very helpful.. I'll see if I can get the skin off after another soak, and I'll leave a a scouring pad in his enclosure next shed.. thank you again!

- - - Updated - - -

Yes! His eye caps came off last week during the shed, it's just loose skin around his face that's remaining.