Omigosh...I need help

It's definitely more on the head and one eye cap is retained. Almost the whole other side is retained except for the eye cap. It's not too bad along the body. He's just so skinny. I can definitely see the spine. I'll try the soak! Thanks for the info! I'm sure I can find something that will work! I'll let you know how that goes!!!! Off to do that now!

On second thought I think a meal is definitely more the issue. Is it ok to leave the shed for a couple days until after I get a meal into 'em? They said they fed it every week. The problem being they fed him/her pinkies and fuzzies. Gave me a whole bunch too. Not that I can use them.

Since the snake just came into a new environment, it needs time to settle in and destress. If you don't allow it a good amount of time to settle in, and feed it right off the bat, it is more likely to regurgitate the meal, and thus setting the animal even farther back in its recovery. I think the more appropriate treatment regimen is to soak for an hour, get the shed off, leave it in the enclosure in a quiet area for a good week(making sure temps and humidity are correct) and then attempt to feed him/her. I know the snake is skinny and needs to eat, but if he regurgitates, that means waiting another 2-3 weeks for the snake to heal from that. I would just wait another week, he should be fine. Make sure he has access to plenty of fresh water in the meantime.

Hope that helped clear a few things up :)

Ok. I will go and soak 'em. Got everything ready. Wish me luck and I'll be sure to let you know how it goes! Thanks Becky!

Ok soaking now in progress. Now a new question. When I start feeding him should I feed every 5 days until he bulks up a bit or just stick to once a week?

Go easy on his system, a 20g mouse is probably not what he's used to. Pretend he's a baby and start with hoppers then gradually increase the prey size as the weeks go by. From that one pic it looks like he's not completely "starving." Start with a 7 day interval then, once he's got a few meals under his belt, go to a5 day interval until he gets some weight on. Good luck, keep us updated on his condition.

I'd stick with a 7 day schedule. Don't want to shock his system too much. Are you going to try him on an adult mouse after he settles in? That would be a more appropriate sized meal than a pinky or fuzzy. LoL, I don't know what you're going to do with all of those extras, maybe donate them to a local pet store? Some baby cornsnakes would appreciate it ;)

Good luck with the soaking. It may take more than one time. Try one hour today, and see what comes off. If it doesn't all come off, try again tomorrow.

No he not on death's door or anything but his spine is definitely pronounced. He has been on hopper and pinkies once a week. Although that is what they said and it is definitely not gospel. He has a good energy level and isn't lethargic. I'm still kind of hyped up and slightly panicky. I just feel so bad for the poor little thing. I promise to relax and go slowly with the little guy.

I did go to the store and get some adult mice for him so I can feed him those if you guys think it's ok, but if it would be better to start smaller and go bigger then I will.

Adult mice should be fine, but, for the sake of the health of the snake, wait until next week to feed him. You can get the mice nice, fat and healthy for him while he settles in. Who knows what they were eating at the pet store(unless it is a good store). You can feed them fruits(no citrus), veggies, nuts, dog food. Let them just pig out so they will be healthy, and thus the snake will be healthy.

Aww, I saw he got named Dandylion. Hehe, very cute. I know, corny, but I hope he turns out just dandy :) And he'll be much prettier when all of that shed comes off.

I am so glad that I soaked him first. Apparently the shed was retained all the way around his neck. Got a lot of it off but not all, so I will soak again tomorrow. If the eyecap doesn't come off then, should I attempt a q-tip with mineral oil or just wait to see if it comes off with the next shed?

The previous owners had a son who wanted him so they bought him and then 6/7 months later decided he didn't want him anymore. They fed him f/t and that's what I feed Lily so that's what I'll feed him. I really don't know the sex but my son just decided dandylion was a good name for him, so that's what he'll be until our trip to the vet next week.