Re: Bad first shed, Soaking questions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dalvers63
When my snakes have bad sheds, I use the damp pillowcase method to help them get the rest of it off.
Take a cotton pillowcase and get it wet with warm water (you want it damp but not soaking wet). Turn it inside out so the seams are on the outside. This will keep your snake from getting caught in any threads that might be sticking out. Then, put snake in the bag and tie the end closed. Put the bag back in their cage/tub and let them be for 30 minutes to an hour. Remove the snake from the bag and any shed that isn't off will be nice and moist so that you can remove it by hand.
I have never heard that method but sounds great. My Pastel is actually having a horrible shed now..Iam going to have to try this. Thank you.
Re: Bad first shed, Soaking questions.
To the above poster, it looks like you are using the crushed walnut shells. Those are horrible for holding humidity, so no wonder your snake is having a bad shed. That substrate is also great at causing impactions if ingested. Why not use some cypress mulch or coconut husk, even aspen or newspaper. Those are at least not drying to the snake's skin and they hold humidity better.
Re: Bad first shed, Soaking questions.
wow, looks like he's got it all. I didnt take him out and inspect him, as my hands are covered with grease and grime, but he looks nice and orange again. I kept popping in and trying to help as much as i could with my little wooden tongs. He was pretty cool about me spraying him and peeling skin off of him. Maybe I should have been a little less involved in the process but he seemed to really be struggling to get it off. Hopefully his next shed will be a little less stressful.s
Re: Bad first shed, Soaking questions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SatanicIntention
Just remember, if all the skin comes off without assistance, it's a complete shed, regardless of how many pieces the shed skin is in :)
I missed this the first time around :P
Re: Bad first shed, Soaking questions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SatanicIntention
To the above poster, it looks like you are using the crushed walnut shells. Those are horrible for holding humidity, so no wonder your snake is having a bad shed. That substrate is also great at causing impactions if ingested. Why not use some cypress mulch or coconut husk, even aspen or newspaper. Those are at least not drying to the snake's skin and they hold humidity better.
This is not the bedding I use for their living cages. However I used it in the past though. I have an extra cage that I place my snakes in when cleaning theirs. And the crushed Walnut Shells is in that. I use coconut husk in their cages though. :P
Re: Bad first shed, Soaking questions.
Ah ok! I gotcha. I just wish they wouldn't sell that stuff, it's quite unsafe unless you use it in a litter box for cats(or rats :) )
Re: Bad first shed, Soaking questions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SatanicIntention
Ah ok! I gotcha. I just wish they wouldn't sell that stuff, it's quite unsafe unless you use it in a litter box for cats(or rats :) )
It is actually labeled for birds instead of reptiles now. Well at least at the pet Store by my house.
But I didn't think of using it for mice/rats. Iam trying to raise my own food now due to all of my babies. I will have to try it sometime.
