Is my snake getting ready to shed? (Pic)

I got my snake last Saturday, and the pet shop person said he thought the snake was getting ready to shed. The eyes have not gone hazy/blue...but this is what his head looks like:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._5514279_n.jpg

Any clue if that means he is starting a shed?

it is hard to tell in the pic.

Shedding process..
http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=57

Quote:

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Originally Posted by iCandiBallPythons

Shedding process..
http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=57

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Thank you for the link, I have looked at that previously, but the pictures weren't working for me (just show boxes with an X in them). Maybe I can get a better picture of him tomorrow.... I just don't want him to have a stuck shed or something, and me being totally new not know. :worry:

By the pic it looks like what you may be seeing is iridescence.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by iCandiBallPythons

By the pic it looks like what you may be seeing is iridescence.

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Okay, would that always be there then? It is always there, not just in different light...if that makes a difference. Let me go see if I can get a better pic.

Ya , iridescence is varying in color when seen in different lights or from different angles.

I can't really get a better pic, this is the best ones I could get...but I don't think it is really difinitive:
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k...l/P1030781.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k...l/P1030776.jpg

I suppose I will know in a few days though?

The belly should be pinkish thats a good indicator shed getting close.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by iCandiBallPythons

By the pic it looks like what you may be seeing is iridescence.

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x2

Is that SAND in the BP enclosure in your first picture?

Good catch!! You gotta get rid of the sand....the second pics looks like the snake has been burrowing in the sand. Go to the care sheets and look at different substrate. Sand is not appropriate.

Soaking her would probably be a great idea. Luke warm water. Watch her close to be sure she gets not to keep her head under water.

Since you got her in a pet shop, chances are good that she is somewhat dry and dehydrated. Most (unfortunetly) pet shops do a terrible job of keeping ball pythons with the adequate heat and humidity.

Be sure to read the care sheet on balls, here on bpnet

Whoops,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by koulgurl

Thank you for the link, I have looked at that previously, but the pictures weren't working for me (just show boxes with an X in them). Maybe I can get a better picture of him tomorrow.... I just don't want him to have a stuck shed or something, and me being totally new not know. :worry:

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Looks like we forgot to fix the pictures in that one.

Here is a link to the one on the boards that already has the pictures fixed for you.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74289

On your snake pics it looks like he has scuffed the scales in the sand as previously mentioned. Assuming you replace it before his next shed he should come out looking like a million bucks. :D :gj:


dr del

Thanks everyone. :) I know now that you aren't supposed to use sand (that is what the pet shop gave me) but since I have only had him since Saturday, I am not sure if I should change to aspen (which I already have on hand) or if I should give him more time to settle. I don't want him too stressed...he does seem to be doing well so far, however. I haven't noticed any burrowing since I got him, but he was in sand in the cage at the pet store, so he may have there.

Honestly, I would change it over ASAP.

My pythons will get really dull and dry looking before their eyes go blue. Easier to see if you can compare it to be them being soft and shiny after a fresh shed.

Sand for a Ball Python is terrible, you need to switch over to the Aspen immediately, the snake will settle much faster in aspen then he ever will in sand, the sand will just keep him stressed and uncomfortable... please switch it out right away!

Okay, I will switch to the aspen tomorrow when hubby is home. :) (That tank is HEAVY!) Hope no damage has been done. Just really makes me wonder about pet stores.... :(

Heh, wait til you become more educated about Ball Pythons and then look back at what the store employees told you :rolleyes:

Take a look at this care sheet....it is really really awesome!!!!!! Pet stores can give you some really crazy advice at times. I had one several times tell me that you do not need a thermostat with an under the tank heater...ugh. Anyways......the link is below and I cannot tell you how much this helped me when I was new!! ;)

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=43936

Sand has been changed out with Aspen bedding...and I got the wonderful experience of being urinated/urate-ed on. That was a joy. Quick question though...when he was peeing (or whatever it is called) it seemed red....not sure if that was the inside of the vent, or if something was wrong...anyone know?

I use newspaper because its free and I can clean a mess in one minute. Plus I can change it more frequently to reduce mold/bacteria. It doesnt look as pretty as aspen but it does the job great.

hmmmmm...sometimes it can look almost really really yellowish orange??? Or sometimes it could have a mix of poo in it and it makes it dark. Keep an eye to make sure it isn't red. I usually put an old white blanket or towel down and they sometimes go on that and you can see. (I put it on the floor and let them crawl around) I re-read what I wrote and figured I should clarify...lol

The urate was a yellowish white firm substance, and then there was a lot of liquid...but the only time I saw it was when it was coming out because it went imediately on my orange pants (and I couldn't tell what color the liquid was then) and that is when I noticed it being a pinkish-red color. It may have just been inside his vent... I have never seen it before so I just don't know. :P