Does he look ok? Still hasn't shed ??

I took his hide of him this morning and he made his way to me towards the open door so just picked him up, seems fine in himself.....
After his bath last week I did let him go through a towel but he never rubbed his head, although when I had him out this morning he seemed to be pushing his head through my fingers more than usual..... I am tempted to use the damp pillowcase again as his skin does look ready to peel but last thing I want to do is stress him out or make him sick ?

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Just because it's our choice doesn't mean that they will detest it though surely ?

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If we didn't have the choice and the snake did.. Would they ever want to be picked up? Ever want to be fed f/t or bathed? Probably not

But anyway I think we should get back to helping the OP.

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Originally Posted by Smith123

I took his hide of him this morning and he made his way to me towards the open door so just picked him up, seems fine in himself.....
After his bath last week I did let him go through a towel but he never rubbed his head, although when I had him out this morning he seemed to be pushing his head through my fingers more than usual..... I am tempted to use the damp pillowcase again as his skin does look ready to peel but last thing I want to do is stress him out or make him sick ?

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The next time you're handling him why not let him run through a wet , rough textured towel , in your hands . Keep feeding him through applying vey gentle pressure .... If its a dark coloured towel I can virtually guarantee you will see loads of dead skin on the towel ...

Yes ok I could do that, I guess it's similar to the damp pillowcase method anyway.... Can but try!

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Originally Posted by SRMD94

If we didn't have the choice and the snake did.. Would they ever want to be picked up? Ever want to be fed f/t or bathed? Probably not

But anyway I think we should get back to helping the OP.

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I'd guess by simply discussing matters we may well be helping him...

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Originally Posted by Smith123

Yes ok I could do that, I guess it's similar to the damp pillowcase method anyway.... Can but try!

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Just works ten times better ... the pillow cases are super smooth that's why it's best to use a rough textured towel and as suggested you apply very gentle pressure , not squeezing , just offer a little gentle resistance whilst its sliding through the towel .... before anyone complains :)

In the wild they will rub against branches ..and rough terrain etc to remove dead skin ..

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

I'd guess by simply discussing matters we may well be helping him...

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Sure, but I doubt we will be helping by discussing why burms go into water in the wild but why we shouldn't give our BPs in a bath ;)


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Originally Posted by SRMD94

Sure, but I doubt we will be helping by discussing why burms go into water in the Everglades but why we shouldn't give our BPs in a bath ;)


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I used that example simply because it was suggested that don't like water or being soaked and it strips their natural oils away ..

I don't even know why people bother offering suggestions in here to be honest ... it seems as though many of you guys just enjoy a bit of friction .

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

I don't even know why people bother offering suggestions in here to be honest ... it seems as though many of you guys just enjoy a bit of friction .

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It's not friction it's just people with different opinions on different matters sharing and discussing them.

You're from the UK as am I
but you think one thing and I think another.[emoji2][emoji106]


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Originally Posted by SRMD94

It's not friction it's just people with different opinions on different matters sharing and discussing them. [emoji2][emoji106]


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I'd normally agree but he one I just replied to was clearly having a bit of a dig .... I love forums , I love reading about other people's experiences but I'm careful not to antagonise or upset anyone else or whatever .

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

I'd normally agree but he one I just replied to was clearly having a bit of a dig ....

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Apologies, I did not intend to make you feel like I was having a go, all I was saying is that we aren't going to help the OP out who wants advice on stuck shed.. Talking about why some snakes bathe but it's recommended not to bathe our own. [emoji2]


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Originally Posted by SRMD94

Apologies, I did not intend to make you feel like I was having a go, all I was saying is that we aren't going to help the OP out who wants advice on stuck shed.. Talking about why some snakes bathe but it's recommended not to bathe our own. [emoji2]


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That's fine but I don't get why there is such a fuss made about giving them a soak suggesting its bad for them ....when many give them a bowl big enough for them to soak in ...

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

That's fine but I don't get why there is such a fuss made about giving them a soak suggesting its bad for them ....when many give them a bowl big enough for them to soak in ...

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Well the OP already stated that he had tried bathing his BP and it didn't help, and thats where I go back to what I was saying earlier providing them a bowl to soak in, using it will be there choice not ours. :)


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Originally Posted by SRMD94

Well the OP already stated that he had tried bathing his BP and it didn't help, and thats where I go back to what I was saying earlier providing them a bowl to soak in, using it will be there choice not ours. :)


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No worries ... Nice to see another Brit though ... I feel a but outnumbered in here :)

I was told years ago - for troublesome shed - to soak them for 30 mins and then feed them through a damp , rough textured towel .

It's always worked 100% for me so I've done it ever since .... that's why I share my experience ...- I got slaughtered in another couple of threads for suggesting it though . Obviously if the humidity levels are correct there's not normally an issue .

I'm out of here ... nice to meet you :)

I've just tried a warm wet towel but found it difficult to direct him through the towel as he didn't like me applying the towel over his head! He just searched for a way out mostly so I think I'm just gonna leave him be and hope he sorts himself out??
He is due a feed tonite so I will feed him as usual and leave him be for a few days .... I feel bad for him but I don't understand why he can't sort things out himself ? He hasn't been seen rubbing on things in his enclosure or anything it's like he's not fussed....

let us know if he's feeding. meanwhile try maintaining the humidity at 70+%.
maybe you can put a small wooden log/branch or a rough rock in the enclosure for him to rub the old skin off.
you can use substrates like coco husk and cypress mulch to maintain good humiditiy in the future. i use kritter's crumble (coco husk).
another tip is that humidity will be much easier to maintain in a smaller enclosure (like a tub for example), as moisture does not dissipate easily in smaller space (with less ventilation of course). just be careful to monitor for mold or fungus in the subtrate while keeping high humidity, but a few days won't be a problem.

i hope others with more experience like this can help you out, especially on the one stuck eye cap.
wishing your snake a speedy recovery! :gj:

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Originally Posted by influence

let us know if he's feeding. meanwhile try maintaining the humidity at 70+%.
maybe you can put a small wooden log/branch or a rough rock in the enclosure for him to rub the old skin off.
you can use substrates like coco husk and cypress mulch to maintain good humiditiy in the future. i use kritter's crumble (coco husk).
another tip is that humidity will be much easier to maintain in a smaller enclosure (like a tub for example), as moisture does not dissipate easily in smaller space (with less ventilation of course). just be careful to monitor for mold or fungus in the subtrate while keeping high humidity, but a few days won't be a problem.

i hope others with more experience like this can help you out, especially on the one stuck eye cap.
wishing your snake a speedy recovery! :gj:

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Id love to keep him in a tub as he was more active when I first brought him home in a tub, but after reading around it seems my ambient temps were not high enough! Even though the breeder I got him from said as long as he has a 90f hotspot then the ambients didn't matter? So therefore had to put him in a bigger enclosure with ceramic heat.... I have now added more into his enclosure including wood to rub himself on but I doubt he will use it as he doesn't really move! Unless I offer food in which he has been eating every five days since ive had him..... My humidity is 50-60% all the time so should be fine really.
Thanks

Any updates?

No change! He ate his rat pup as usual on the 18th and I haven't bothered him since , he looks the same on his head, I don't think he is going to shed ? Maybe just fall off in pieces here and there. Thanks

I need to make some changes, I can't have this happening again, need to find the problem . Thinking of downsizing his enclosure as he never moves so think he a little scared in there , I'm not sure what sort of setup is best, housing , heat , substrate..... As must be something wrong , humidity or stress ?? Or do these things just happen for no apparent reason?
Thanks

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Originally Posted by Smith123

I need to make some changes, I can't have this happening again, need to find the problem . Thinking of downsizing his enclosure as he never moves so think he a little scared in there , I'm not sure what sort of setup is best, housing , heat , substrate..... As must be something wrong , humidity or stress ?? Or do these things just happen for no apparent reason?
Thanks

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You could make your own tub, use paper towel as substrate, I made my own tub and constant kept good humidity and temps.

Check this out:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=139156

My ambients aren't warm enough in my house for a tub...

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Originally Posted by Smith123

My ambients aren't warm enough in my house for a tub...

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Where do you keep your BP?

In a corner of my living room, you think move him to a quieter room?

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Originally Posted by Smith123

In a corner of my living room, you think move him to a quieter room?

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You could maybe move him to a smaller room where heat is more contained, once he's bigger etc you can then maybe move him back
Into the viv you have now, I had my BP
In a tub for 3 years UNTILL recently

What ambient temps did you have in your tub?
None of my rooms go above 70f for any length of time at this time of year

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Originally Posted by Smith123

None of my rooms go above 70f for any length of time at this time of year

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Maybe you could use mini room heaters, halogen heaters?

I may do some experimenting with a tub and heaters in a room, failing that I will have to stick with ceramic heat and provide a humid hide permanently I think

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Originally Posted by Smith123

I may do some experimenting with a tub and heaters in a room, failing that I will have to stick with ceramic heat and provide a humid hide permanently I think

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That could be the easiest solution you can buy exo terra caves that act as a humid hide they come with moss, also check out cork bark you can use this to fill your viv with they are big pieces of log good hiding places, when I bought mine i sterilised them and put them in the oven for 30minutes just to be safe.

You just need to add more decor and add places that you can see your BP so he can feel safe and maybe he'll start roaming around more.

Yeah I did worry about that large bark wood if it carried bugs, so you just bake them first ?
Also he has had around 6 consecutive meals now but hasnt done a stinker yet!

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Originally Posted by Smith123

Yeah I did worry about that large bark wood if it carried bugs, so you just bake them first ?
Also he has had around 6 consecutive meals now but hasnt done a stinker yet!

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Yeah I scrubbed them down with hot soapy water then just baked them in the oven for half hour.

And being young he may he be absorbing all the nutrients, most BPs will defecate after shedding [emoji2]

Right will go with that for now, quieter room, humid hide, more decor...... See how he does
thanks

Sorry to resurrect the thread but it's just an update for anybody interested........
So I changed him to a new smaller enclosure a few days ago, also changed substrate to cypress mulch, it's has done wonders for his behaviour as he now will have a roam around in the evening and even chill in the open on his bark for an hour or so! The substrate is great especially for his humidity and as you can see he has started to get rid of his old skin, I found all these bits of skin everywhere this morning! he's still a mess I know but he's getting there and hopefully his next shed will be spot on. He ate in his new enclosure a couple of days ago too so still eating every five days which is great. Any more suggestions feel free ...... Thanks

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...3d4afbdab8.jpg
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http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...f480d191b9.jpg


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Originally Posted by Smith123

Sorry to resurrect the thread but it's just an update for anybody interested........
So I changed him to a new smaller enclosure a few days ago, also changed substrate to cypress mulch, it's has done wonders for his behaviour as he now will have a roam around in the evening and even chill in the open on his bark for an hour or so! The substrate is great especially for his humidity and as you can see he has started to get rid of his old skin, I found all these bits of skin everywhere this morning! he's still a mess I know but he's getting there and hopefully his next shed will be spot on. He ate in his new enclosure a couple of days ago too so still eating every five days which is great. Any more suggestions feel free ...... Thanks

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...3d4afbdab8.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...4835909c20.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...691962544d.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...29d439b02b.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...f480d191b9.jpg


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Good job on putting him on cypress mulch! He is already starting to look a lot better! :gj:

Yeah thanks, you live and learn! I worried about ingesting substrate originally but it's better for him this way so will just have to keep an eye on that, I'm sure the odd piece won't do him much harm...

Looking good !! :)
I'd try and find some branches from the local woods and put them in as well .. on the floor and wedged up along the sides ... Mine have a climb around most evenings .

I'm pleased to stayed with a viv rather than opting for a rub :)

Yeah i will save the bigger viv for when he's older and I do have more for the viv, climbing branch, leaves etc.... I wanted to leave a little space in the middle for striking and eating! I may find room for the branch.

I am happy for you at least your little guy is making progress, congrats on sorting everything out and changing vivs and substrates.

Best of luck [emoji106]

Yeah cheers, he's a nice colour under his old skin..... hope he rubs the rest off now and the next shed goes to plan!
Going to weigh him next, I've no idea what he weighs, he still on rat pups too I may have a look at the next size up

great job! he looks better and happier now :D
Your enclosure looks awesome nice :gj: (i'm using the same exo terra reptile cave as yours btw)
just be careful about mold or fungus build up in wooden enclosure.. which if u clean regularly, should not be an issue.

Yeah sure will do, I'm hoping to only mist down the enclosure every now and again or when shedding time, as humidity generally ok most of the time. He was out last night rubbing himself all over the place completely rearranging the tank! So I pulled him out and rubbed a lot off with a wet towel as it was hanging of him.... Most of the shed is off now thankfully. Hope the next shed is much better!

Ok guys this is the latest!
He has some stubborn bits of old skin left on his sides which doesn't want to come off right now. Although not much of it.
Will it be ok left until it hopefully comes off on his next shed?
Otherwise he's looking and acting much better, thanks for all the advise and I'm hoping ive fixed the problem that caused this in the first place!
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Yes it will be fine until next shed my normals first shed when I had him had few pieces stuck on him that just wouldn't come off just next time bump humidity up so he has a good shed

He is looking good man [emoji106]

I've got a constant 55% now with no misting, so I'm hoping that's all good and just mist at shedding time? Around 70% for shedding time?

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Originally Posted by Smith123

I've got a constant 55% now with no misting, so I'm hoping that's all good and just mist at shedding time? Around 70% for shedding time?

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Yeah 70-80% my BP just had his first shed in my wooden 3ft viv, a perfect shed! Just kept it between 70-80% soon as I noticed he was entering pre shed.

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Originally Posted by SRMD

He is looking good man [emoji106]

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Cheers man yeah I'm happier now and he must be.... Cheers for the help along the way

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Originally Posted by Smith123

Cheers man yeah I'm happier now and he must be.... Cheers for the help along the way

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No problem, good luck with future sheds [emoji106]

Right will do and around 55% is ok for normal conditions ?

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Originally Posted by Smith123

Right will do and around 55% is ok for normal conditions ?

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Yeah that's fine