Fact Or Fiction?

[Jojos]

Hi everyone,

I read a comment on "YouTube" that after they shed, their skin is sensitive and we should wait a week before handling them. Is that FACT OR FICTION??

I really don't believe their skin is sensitive because I can handle both my corn and my ball python very easily and they like it alot.

Thank you for your opinion!

[Freakie_frog]

Fiction! sensitive no but is is still some what soft.

[kc261]

On a related note, I've heard that you shouldn't handle them while they are in shed. This makes sense just because they may be uncomfortable, may not be able to see well, and just tend to be grumpier.

However, one of the reasons I've seen for this is because you can damage the new skin that is developing underneath the old one about to come off. Can you really damage it? I didn't think so when I read it, but I'll admit I don't know.

[Freakie_frog]

On a related note, I've heard that you shouldn't handle them while they are in shed. This makes sense just because they may be uncomfortable, may not be able to see well, and just tend to be grumpier.

I try to avoid handling when they are in she just to try and keep the stress level down.

However, one of the reasons I've seen for this is because you can damage the new skin that is developing underneath the old one about to come off. Can you really damage it? I didn't think so when I read it, but I'll admit I don't know.

It would take an injury to "damage" the developing skin. remember this is an animal that is in constant physical contact with their environment so their skin needs to be able to handle coming in contact with stuff.. It'll be fine.

[muddoc]

This sounds like a great question for the great Barczyk. I would send it to him, and he may just feature it on the next Snakebytes.

[Jojos]

Thank you all for the answer. It's really interesting to see what you guys think. It's my first and only ball and I was very curious to know. I will try to ask Brian to see what he thinks.

When I handle him, in shed or not, he really likes it and he likes it when I rub his tummy. He can stay on my lap for about 15 minutes and after, he leaves to explore my snake room. He likes to hide in the girls clothing...

I do give him baths when he's about to shed and he likes it alot. He stays put and soaks in.

Again, thank you everyone!

Regards,

[ssjsmits]

Here's a fact. "Most vids on Youtube are a bunch of people spitting out nonsense to pretend they know everything about herpetoculture."
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