Baby oil for eye caps?

Ive been told to use baby oil on my snakes eyes caps. I didn't know if i was comfortable with that so i just went and got some zoo med shedding which is working really well. Is it ok to use baby oil on my snake?

First time I've heard that one. I don't think I'd be putting any petrolium based product on my BPs. Just doesn't seem to pass the horse sense test.

I recently posted this in another thread:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kc261

As far as the mineral oil or baby oil if you have future problems with retained eyecaps... I know I have seen it recommended, but it certainly wouldn't be the first thing I'd try. If you keep the humidity up high enough (especially starting when the snake's eyes go blue and you know a shed is imminent), you should not need to worry. If you have trouble keeping the humidity high enough in the entire enclosure, you can add a humid hide at shedding time. If you still have a problem shed, you an soak the snake to help. If after all that, you still have retained eyecaps, most people seem to believe that leaving them until the next shed does not pose a problem as long as they come off that time.

---

As far as the zoomed stuff, I wouldn't be surprised if a good soak helps just as much. Here is a sticky about how to help your snake with a problem shed:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=43403

I've heard of people putting baby oil on their snakes to smother mites. This was quite a few years ago and I don't remember exactly what happened but I recall it wasn't good. I think there was some kind of damage to the skin. I've never tried it myself though so this is just hearsay.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MarkS

I've heard of people putting baby oil on their snakes to smother mites. This was quite a few years ago and I don't remember exactly what happened but I recall it wasn't good. I think there was some kind of damage to the skin. I've never tried it myself though so this is just hearsay.

---

Seems to me that the oil in Baby Oil would be particularly good at pulling the oil out of a snake's skin. That would almost have to lead to future skin and possibly shed problems. Could turn into a self licking ice cream cone.

Thats what i thought, It didn't seem right to me. i figured baby skin and snake skin is a little bit different. Either way Im just gonna stick to the stuff thats made for reptiles.

What I have used successfully is fragrance free body lotion.

I usually just take a dripping wet towel and let the snake sit in my lap with its head hidden in the towel for about a half hour. Then very gently rub the eyecap with a damp q-tip.

Steve