How important is it to get everything scale shed?

[dotc0m]

I am curious. If there are one or two scales throughout the entire body that were still retained from a shed. How important is it to get it out if you notice it doens't come off on it's own?

I noticed there were like maybe 4 scales total that haven't shed on my spider. And maybe about 2 scales that didn't shed on my pastel, around his head area which is why I'm asking. He's a little headshy, so how important is it to get that removed through the "bathing" procedures?

Thanks for the click.

[xdeus]

It's not important. Unless the shed forms a band (especially common around the tail) or one of the eyecaps didn't come off, the unshed scales will come off during the next cycle.

However, I always like a "clean" snake so will do a quick soak and rub for any unshed pieces.

[frankykeno]

I'm of like mind with Lawrence (great post btw!). Basically if there is no encircling shed or eyecap issues and it would cause the snake more stress than it's worth I leave it be. Sometimes I'll just grab a rough facecloth we keep around for this type of thing, soak it in a bit of warm water and let the snake have a couple of wiggles through (soak the facecloth, not the snake). That often moves the few scales off and for most of our snakes, doesn't cause them any distress at all.