Watching my first shed

[TimmyG]

Hi all I think I have been blessed by the snake gods (if there are any) becuse just 6 days after purchasing my first ball python I am watching it shed. I have read on these forums that it might take sometime to actually witness this and I think I caught him doing it early in the process. He's still working on his head and I've seen him open his mouth really wide a twice. this really is an intreasting yet long process!!!

[TimmyG]

That was really cool to watch it took about 2 hours!. There is a piece left right beind the head and much of it is sticking out i wonder if I could just pick this off while handleing him or do i have to do the towel trick? Also, i missed him do the eyes how do I tell if there are specticales?

[sg1trogdor]

Well If you look in the hood(head) of the shed skin you will be able to see the eye caps. As for the small piece I would try handling him if it just comes off when you rub against it then great if not then try the damp towel trick. And grats on the snake and shed. I caught my blood python in the act a while back and got some cool pics of it too. Really is interesting I think thats my draw to these animals they are just so different. Who would have thought something as simple as feeding could be soo interesting to watch.

[TimmyG]

so is it safe to handle now? i kinda want to get the old shed skin out but hes sitting on it!

[Sonya610]

so is it safe to handle now? i kinda want to get the old shed skin out but hes sitting on it!

My girl always stays hissy the day of her shed, so I usually leave her be but I do take the shed out of the tank and check for poop which is common, though if its feeding time she will usually eat.

Cool that you saw it! Mine always sheds in her hide and then somehow the role of skin ends up at the opening. Weird too since the inside of her hide is smooth, I wouldn't think there would be enough friction but it works just fine.

[TimmyG]

Well I did decide to handle him since i figure most bites happen when the snake thinks you smell like mice and the little piece didn't come off when i tried (the pice looks like it does infact extend over one eye) so I plumped him into the shallow water and he did have a poop (btw I was surprised to see how big the poop was) so in maybe 5 more minutes I'll let him have a run through the damp wash cloth. Also, i think I have a really friendly snake as he didnt mind being handled at all