Bad Shed stuck on Head

Hello,


Most of this afternoon and evening I have been searching online about how to remove bits of shedded skin from a snake’s head. Apparently the hygrometer I was using ceased to function properly; the humidity was too low :(. I borrowed a hygrometer from one of my centipedes’ enclosures (I have much more experience with tarantulas, scorpions, and centipedes than reptiles) and it was around 40%. Stupid Nat. Geo hygrometer!


On this forum another user posted a helpful thread about soaking a BP in a tub of water; however, as the flake of skin is on her head, I loathe having to restrain her to run a cloth over her head – that will stress her (and me) out so much! :(.


The first question I have is if it is even necessary to try removing this with some potentially stressful method – the flake of skin isn ’t covering her eyes or nostrils and she seems fine. Should I simply raise the humidity, maybe try the soaking method, but otherwise leave her to remove it on her own, or is it critical to her health that I remove it?

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You can leave it. It will be fine.

The biggest concerns are:
- eye caps, if multiples build up the eyes can get infected,
- tail tip, if stuck sheds build up they dry out and can cut off circulation to the tail.

A little bit on the head isn't a concern, keep your humidity up and your snake will deal with it herself.

I agree, I would leave that stuck shed and make sure the snake has some humidity. That small amount of shed won't hurt the snake.

Bath it in a tub of luke warm water for 20 or 30 minutes. Afterwards, use a damp cloth to gentle rub it off... if it bothers you that much. Not necessary. Could just leave it for time and the snake to handle on its on.

Fast Shadow

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Baba Fett

Bath it in a tub of luke warm water for 20 or 30 minutes. Afterwards, use a damp cloth to gentle rub it off... if it bothers you that much. Not necessary. Could just leave it for time and the snake to handle on its on.

Fast Shadow

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You're brave :)

( I totally agree incidentally ).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Baba Fett

Bath it in a tub of luke warm water for 20 or 30 minutes. Afterwards, use a damp cloth to gentle rub it off... if it bothers you that much. Not necessary. Could just leave it for time and the snake to handle on its on.

Fast Shadow

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

You're brave :)

( I totally agree incidentally ).

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How long out of the 20 or 30 minutes do you believe the ball will have its head under water? My BRB for sure would be submerged and swimming but my ball not so much.

For such a small patch or skin that will probably fall off on its own there is no need for such advice.

A damp pillow case would be the best option if you just had to handle it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KMG

How long out of the 20 or 30 minutes do you believe the ball will have its head under water? My BRB for sure would be submerged and swimming but my ball not so much.

For such a small patch or skin that will probably fall off on its own there is no need for such advice.

A damp pillow case would be the best option if you just had to handle it.

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A damp pillow case will provide some moisture to the area but not much friction .
As to Royals/ Balls under water .... my pair of Albino have both had short soaks in the past and both rarely put their heads OUT of the water ... That's just my experiences though .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

A damp pillow case will provide some moisture to the area but not much friction .
As to Royals/ Balls under water .... my pair of Albino have both had short soaks in the past and both rarely put their heads OUT of the water ... That's just my experiences though .

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My ball does soak like that. My bloods, brb and even my gtp which loves to swim would be under water but my ball wants nothing to do with it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KMG

How long out of the 20 or 30 minutes do you believe the ball will have its head under water? My BRB for sure would be submerged and swimming but my ball not so much.

For such a small patch or skin that will probably fall off on its own there is no need for such advice.

A damp pillow case would be the best option if you just had to handle it.

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I would never recommend a damp pillow case. Just put some damp moss in its hide, it will come off in no time. With out stressing the snake out. ;)