stressing in what to do with bad shed
Well I said earlier that my new Pastel was having a bad shed, so I soaked her and took a wet towel hoping it would help her out . Well some did came off but a lot didn't so now I'm worried. Do I keep soaking her and also using a wet towel on her thus stressing her out more or do I leave her alone hoping she can remove the shed. Also been 3 weeks since she has eaten so any advice is more then welcome
Here are pics of her bad shed
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/i...er71/034-4.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/i...er71/039-5.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/i...er71/042-3.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/i...er71/043-3.jpg
Re: stressing in what to do with bad shed
Take a bowl or tub, fill halfway with water and put a towel in there, put the snake in for about an half hour and handle the snake. Most of it should come off. Repeat to get the rest.
Re: stressing in what to do with bad shed
Up the humidity in your enclosure. Add a humid hide if you can. Provide a rough object so the snake can rub some off on its own.
After a few days try putting the snake in a tub filled with a little water and also put a washcloth or towel in with the snake so it can rub some shed off as well.
It is really difficult to assist shed and sometimes it is easier to let the snake do more of the work.
Re: stressing in what to do with bad shed
In the last pic it kind of looks to me like your snake might be really dehydrated. (just me though and I am new and don't know much). Make sure that he has a lot of clean water in the bowl and put it on the warm side, that will help to bump your humidity as well. Not sure if you have racks or viv.....but if you have a viv you might want to foil off the top of the screen. That helped me with keeping up the humidity.
Good luck and know that they all have a bed shed once in while. Just keep an eye on your husbandry.
Re: stressing in what to do with bad shed
My bp has needed help shedding more than once. She's laid back enough that I can soak her in warm water and stroke her until it comes off. Once I had to start right at the tip of her nose.
Re: stressing in what to do with bad shed
Thanks for all the advice but if my snake is dehydrated how do I fix that?
Re: stressing in what to do with bad shed
Mild dehydration can be corrected by just soaking them in warm water (they can actually absorb some water via their cloaca)...more severe cases (sunken eyes, lethargy) should be seen by a vet! How is her appetite?
Re: stressing in what to do with bad shed
She has not eaten since I got her 3 weeks ago
Re: stressing in what to do with bad shed
How old is she? Was she eating in her previous home? Can you give us details on her environment: temps, humidity, enclosure size, etc.
When I have snakes w/ stuck sheds, I heavily mist them daily until it resolves. They don't like it, but I figure a few seconds of unpleasantness is less stressful than extend soakings and handling.
Re: stressing in what to do with bad shed
She is looking a little thin around the middle...if she doesn't eat for you soon, a vet visit may be in order! Start with your husbandry, make sure she's got the appropriate temps, humidity, hides, etc...ie. rule out any stress that might be preventing her from eating...has she pooed for ya? A fecal sample given to the vet would help rule out any medical reasons why she isn't eating/losing weight! Good luck! She looks like a real sweetheart!