Help

[GooseAK6]

Hello, I am new to these forums but I'm glad to see a community out here dedicated to this type of stuff. I'm a first time owner of reptiles, and I have had my snake for about 3 months now. Here is some background info on her

Name: Medusa
Size: 22 - 23 inches
Eats: 1 or 2 large mice per week...very good eater
Shed: has shed twice since I had her (first one there was a little trouble cause I didnt have the humidity right so I bought Shed-Ease, a substance you mix with water and soak the snake with and helps them shed. Second time I fixed humidity she shed no problems .... or so I thought)
Activity: Very active little snake. Loves to climb this fake tree I have in my room. Loves to be around my neck. Gets a good amount of handling. Never bit anyone.
Poops: 4-5 days after she eats ( I think ).

My Problem!!! I have noticed a little flap of dead skin on the top part of her left eye. It doesn't cover her entire eye, its just a little flap on the top part. I'm concerned because I think this is affecting her depth perception. She usually strikes the mouse and gets it the first time, but I have been noticing that her past three attempts to get the mouse, she has missed the first strike. It only takes her one miss to correct herself, but she was never like this out of all the times I have fed her until this problem with her eye. I have an attatched photo, I hope it helps. The quality isn't good, but its the best I could do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

Click here for picture.

[frankykeno]

Welcome to BPNet and thanks for providing so much detail with your question. That really does help us help you. Unfortunately from that photo I can't make out what's up. Is it an eyecap that didn't come off fully perhaps? It shouldn't really interfere with her hunting ability as ball pythons don't hunt much by sight, relying more on their heat pits and sensing of vibrations and movement. Missing on a strike isn't a huge issue, some of them just get over excited especially the young ones that aren't as experienced at hitting prey as the adult snakes.

Is it possible to get a clearer picture of the area?

[python.princess]

one of mine, floyd, was always striking out when he was young... just a clumsy snake in general! always likes to climb then fall off the vine into his water dish. his favorite passtime i think! every now and again he still misses the rat the first time. not a big deal.


welcome to bp.net!

[monk90222]

I have some that miss the first time..I think they are over anxious to get their rat....

If it is an eyecap, wrap scotch tape around your finger (sticky side out) and GENTLY and CAREFULLY tap the snake on the eyecap....Do this only if you are sure that it is a retained eyecap, otherwise you could injure your snake's eye....if the eye cap is there, it should stick to the tape and come right off....Good luck and let us know what happens....

[West Coast Jungle]

You have what appears to be a retained eyecap. I would soak her in water about 90 degrees and about 1/2-3/4 as deep as her body for at least a couple of hours if not longer. I also like to put some fragrence free hand and body lotion on the affected area which helps the area absorb moisture (when she is not being soaked). This should help loosen and remove it.

[GooseAK6]

Is it safe to soak them underwater?? She actually has been using her soaking dish a lot lately. How do I go about soaking her head underwater?

[xdeus]

One method that I often use is using a soaking wet pillow case. Just place the snake in a warm, wet pillowcase and twist off the top. Then place the bag in her cage away from a direct heat source. You can keep her there for up to two hours, but you probably don't need longer than 10-20 minutes. The eyecap and any unshed skin will moisten and should come off as she moves around the bag.

Good luck!

[GooseAK6]

Thanks!!! I'm going to try this right now. Never even thought of something like this.