Full Shed

[benball8]

Finally he has went into a full shed from waiting a few days.now that he did the humidity is all set and everythings right but i guess you could say he started with his body? he missed his head, theres one path of skin gone on his head other then that he still has his eyes and pretty much his whole head and hes at his tail for the finish. has this happened to anyone before? is it a problem?(new to ball pythongs dont mind me haha) Thanks guys and gals!

[benball8]

Anyone know what i can do? his body is completely done but his head is just left now and i was wondering maybe he will do it himself?

[Mindibun]

You can mist his cage and bump the humidity even higher for a day or two. You could also try soaking him in 85 degree water for around 30 minutes. No more than an inch of water - it should only come half-way up his body.

It's difficult to help them when it's stuck on their head because they usually spaz. Hopefully if you give him enough humidity he'll do it himself. Also make sure he has a rock or something rough to rub against. They can do their bodies just by rubbing their coils together, but they have to rub their heads on something to get that off. That may be the problem.

[JD Constriction]

A nice soak might help. Typically I use a rubbermaid/sterilite with a lid and just a small layer of water. After 1/2 an hour or so take them out. If it doesn't come off on it's own you'll have to help out with a wet lukewarm wash cloth.

Hope that helps

[benball8]

thanks alot folks. ill try the half hour soak tonight for him and bump the humidity up for the night and hopefully he will take it off on his rock. its a really rough bumpy rock (not enough to hurt him) so it should help alot. i appriciate the imput and the help!

[dr del]

Hi,

I really like putting them in a damp pillowcase when they still have shed on their heads as the attempts to escape and push out are concentrated on the area they really need to get started shedding (the nose ).

Even if they don't manage to get it all off a good start point on the nose really helps you get it off later.

Also just a reminder to be very very carefull near the eyes etc - it often helps to have someone controling the body while you hold the head and work the skin yourself so there are no unexpected jerks when you are near sensitive areas.

Best of luck.


dr del

[benball8]

so its still not off. about 4-5 days after the full shed. i want to try this pellow case thing it sounds interesting how long would i leave them in there for?

[dr del]

Hi,

I would go for about an hour/ hour and a half - put the pillowcase and snake back into their enclosure but not on the hot spot. About midway in the temp range is best.

Remember to check out the bad shed sticky too for other ideas and things people have found useful.


dr del

[benball8]

Awsome thanks alot, ill try to do that tonight when hes more active on trying to escape. it might help with the pushing and what not.

[benball8]

didint work out so well. he just sat in it not moving haha im trying the soak for a half hour-hour then putting him in with some sheding objects. thats my plan B i dont know what else to do about it i could try to start it to help him but hes really figgity.