Cecile's shed not going too well?

[Teakybaby]

I've had my ball python, Cecile, for about a month and a half now and she started her first shed with me this week. Well, tonight she started to actually shed her skin but she only got her head off (all in one piece), but the from the neck down she hasn't even started to shed and its been 3 or 4 hours since she started on her head. I'm so worried now and don't know what to do. Her humidity is and has been at 70 since her eyes first changed to blue. Should I help her by soaking her or let her do it on her own?

[kavmon]

give her the rest of the night, maybe mist the cage/tank. if in the morning she needs some help, you could so her in a little bit of water that is room temp.


vaughn

[Lady Python]

Here's a tip I got from someone on another forum when our cornsnake had a bad shed due to the type of viv he's in - Exo Terra - the type with a lot of slits in the lid (solved that problem by putting Clingwrap over it and just leaving the front vents open).

If your BP doesn't shed properly let her soak in some tepid water for a little while (5 - 10 minutes). Get an old towel which is on the rough side and wet it. Wring the towel out so it's not dripping wet. Hold the towel and the snake and let the snake slither through it. Keep a firm grip on the snake and the towel (but not too tight) and hey presto! Remaining shed comes off

[Teakybaby]

Shewww, well I did what you said Lady P. and the rest came off with no problem. Thank goodness that's over with. I'm sure next shed will go better and next time I won't be so panicy (hopefully ). She looks so beautiful now with her shiney new skin. I'm going to keep her shed and put it a scrapbook lol.

[frankykeno]

Great! It's so nice when that old skin is off isn't it. Someone (wish I could remember who) told me not to worry much about the first shed as for the first 2 or 3 months, the snake is still really adjusting to it's new environment in your home.


~~Jo~~