Cracked eyes?!?!

[Dakingpin714]

i recently adopted a new ball python. but it seems it has cracked eyes. i dont know if its from a past shed or what but does anybody know bout anything liek this

[Laooda]

Sounds like retained eye caps...

[SarahMB]

I agree with Laura...try soaking the snake and then upping the humidity in your setup

[JLC]

Sounds more like a dimpled eye due to lack of humidity. Either way, as Sarah said, try a soak and making sure your ambient humidity stays in the 50's. The problem should right itself by the next shed.


Do NOT try to remove any eyecaps, as they may not really be there and it risks permanent eye injury. Even if the eyecaps are stuck, it won't hurt the snake to let them come off with the next shed.

[Nippy]

What if they don't come off in the next few sheds? Can a vet put them out and take them off for you?

[JLC]

What if they don't come off in the next few sheds? Can a vet put them out and take them off for you?

If they don't come off with the next shed, I'd have either a vet, or an experienced breeder take a look. They snake doesn't need to be "put out" to take off stuck eyecaps, but a very steady hand may be needed, as well as a certainty that it is indeed retained eyecaps that are being pulled off.

[Dakingpin714]

i got him yesterday and didnt notice his eyes. i just finished bathing him and im gonna keep proper humidity for her. hopefulyl by her next shed she'll be fine. thx for the advice. and what should the humidity be at?

[JLC]

If you can keep it between 50% and 60%, you'll be golden.

[Laooda]

About 50-60%... There is a really good care sheet. When your on the home page look for the care sheet link...Great stuff, and everyone here is awesome with questions and all kings of knowledge!

Dang, Judy! LOL

[Purrrfect9]

I read somewhere (thought it was in the BP manual by Philippe de Vosjoli, but I'm not finding it at the moment) that for retained eyecaps, you can get a q-tip and soak it in lukewarm water, and gently rub the eyecaps to loosen the retained skin. But the best thing to do when in doubt is to go see a vet, no questions asked.