Humidity, and bad sheds.

So I have a dwarf retic I’ve had for 4 years, and he had a respiratory infection we got treated. We’ve taken him to multiple different vets, with multiple different answers that we should keep his humidity at 50% to 75%, and the most recent one who specializes in reptiles and one of my good friends said to not add any humidity and to just give him soaks when he’s in shed. But the problem is, he’s had multiple bad sheds using this method, and I don’t really know what to do. With all of these contradictory answers it’s very frustrating. I just want my snake to thrive for me, but I don’t know what to do as he’s my first snake. I’m willing to make any changes I can to make his life better. I’m in need of some advice. He’s in a 6x2x2, wooden enclosure with glass, with paper towels as substrate, his temperature is 90 to 95 depending on where he goes on the warm end, and 78 to 80 on the cool end. He has a big enough water bowl he can completely soak in which is what the vet recommended me to do. I’ve been really beating myself up over this and all I want is to make my snake happy.

A proper shed starts with proper husbandry.

Whoever told you to just soak couldn't be more wrong.

But what confuses me is that he’s a licensed vet and a “reptile expert”. See I would add humidity, but my mom is extremely scared to add humidity to cause another respiratory infection and pay a bunch of money to treat it.

Then maybe I'm wrong (I'm not).

I keep my humidity at proper levels for all my animals. Different species get different humidity. And with the exception of my KSB they all shed beautifully EVERY time.

You said yourself you've had multiple bad sheds using the suggested soak method. That should answer your question right there.

The shed cycle begins as soon as the old shed comes off. There's a reason care sheets and general research shows the importance of proper humidity and husbandry. Because it matters, the whole time, not just leading up to a shed.


I think you and your mom should sit down together and research your pet as if you know nothing. Start from scratch, learn together. Act as if you're researching your animal like you're brand new. Learn from multiple sources and cross reference information. Just cause one person says something doesn't make it true.

Does the snake soak in the bowl? On its own?

If so,

Do you keep it in there all the time, or only during a shed?

If not all the time,

I would leave it in there.

If it doesn't really soak I would start misting each day.

I would also make your mom realize keeping the humidity low will send y'all to the vet too. If the humidity is between 50-75 regularly you should start having good sheds.

Does it have hides? If so, a simple fix is placing damp moss inside them.

Update: we bought coconut fiber for our snake, so that should help with humidity. But it’s just confusing how a licensed veterinarian recommended something that’s unhealthy for my snake. I just feel really bad about it. But thank you both for your advice. And yes I always keep the water bowl in his enclosure.

The majority of veterinarians are not as familiar with reptile husbandry as they would lead you to believe. Even less so in regards to advanced care level reptiles, which I and many others on here would consider a Reticulated Python to be. They are unlike almost any other snake kept in captivity and can be very demanding of their keeper’s husbandry and wellness practices. I would suggest some very thorough re-research on the species moving forward.


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Originally Posted by TheReptileCyka

Update: we bought coconut fiber for our snake, so that should help with humidity. But it’s just confusing how a licensed veterinarian recommended something that’s unhealthy for my snake. I just feel really bad about it. But thank you both for your advice. And yes I always keep the water bowl in his enclosure.

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If your vet specializes (was TRAINED) in reptiles, he "should be" reliable for information, but if you just took your snake to a vet willing to SEE reptiles, they are often not up on proper husbandry...& keep in mind how MANY kinds of exotics there are (reptiles +++). Anyway, the larger water bowl will slightly raise the humidity just by being in there-but what kind of enclosure is this? or rather, is there a screen top? (how much ventilation there is will determine how much humidity it retains...the more air flow there is, the more it dries out, especially because of the heat)

There is only one part of it with a vent on top, so it should hold humidity fine, if it doesn’t I can just cover it up with towels or more wood. But I’m pretty sure it shouldn’t be completely air-tight am I correct?

What’s funny is that he claims he was a reptile expert, so he flat out told me lies which only hurt us in the long run. I feel so stupid for abiding by what he said, it just makes me feel horrible that a trained professional would say something like that. I can only imagine how many other people he swindled including me.

Pics of the enclosure/animal/heating elements/etc would be helpful in offering advice.


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Plus every other vet we called recommended this guy.

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Originally Posted by TheReptileCyka

There is only one part of it with a vent on top, so it should hold humidity fine, if it doesn’t I can just cover it up with towels or more wood. But I’m pretty sure it shouldn’t be completely air-tight am I correct?

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That is correct. You want a good air exchange.

I’m not home as of now, I’ll be sure to take pictures and etc when I get back.

I also have an SD retic. Bear in mind that a good shed starts while the new skin is being formed, well before the prior shed cycle has completed.

Most retics don't have "good" one-piece sheds because they're very enthusiastic about the process and their skin is fairly thin for their size. So, when they shed it looks like a skin explosion all over the enclosure. As long as your snake is shedding completely with clean eyes and tail tip it is ok. If it's not then bump up the humidity and I'd suggest keeping the snake better hydrated by offering its feeders wet. I will note that bunny fur can hold a lot of water, though this does also mean you get a flooded enclosure 2-3 days after feeding.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I also have an SD retic. Bear in mind that a good shed starts while the new skin is being formed, well before the prior shed cycle has completed.

Most retics don't have "good" one-piece sheds because they're very enthusiastic about the process and their skin is fairly thin for their size. So, when they shed it looks like a skin explosion all over the enclosure. As long as your snake is shedding completely with clean eyes and tail tip it is ok. If it's not then bump up the humidity and I'd suggest keeping the snake better hydrated by offering its feeders wet. I will note that bunny fur can hold a lot of water, though this does also mean you get a flooded enclosure 2-3 days after feeding.

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+1 for feeding wet prey.

And great point about retics shedding in pieces. I wouldn't have thought to mention that.

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Originally Posted by TheReptileCyka

What’s funny is that he claims he was a reptile expert, so he flat out told me lies which only hurt us in the long run. I feel so stupid for abiding by what he said, it just makes me feel horrible that a trained professional would say something like that. I can only imagine how many other people he swindled including me.

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He may not have intentionally steered you wrong. He may know the proper husbandry practices of plenty of reptiles, but isn't too knowledgeable about retics.
However, like I mentioned earlier, and like bcr said, the shed cycle starts as soon as the old skin is gone. So for him to say just a soak is enough is way out there. That's not true of any species of snake that I'm aware of.

Don't beat yourself up. Use this as a learning experience. This is why I advocate so strongly for doing independent research and cross referencing info.

I honestly believe you and your mom would benefit greatly by researching together. Make it a fun, bonding experience if you can.
Quite simply, the more we know about our animals the better we can care for them. So sitting down with your mom and learning together could ease a lot of stress for both of you as well as your snake.

Most of the time he gets it all off, but sometimes he doesn’t. Most of the time when he fully gets it off, it looks like a bomb went off. That’s mainly what I was worried about but there are times when it is a bad shed like that though.

Thank you, I appreciate your reply it made me feel a lot better. I’ll do as much research as I possibly can here on out.

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Originally Posted by TheReptileCyka

Thank you, I appreciate your reply it made me feel a lot better. I’ll do as much research as I possibly can here on out.

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Always happy to help. I feel like you're so close to having things nailed down. And just a few minor tweaks will pretty much solve your problems and allow you to enjoy your pet rather than stress over him.

If your mom is willing to learn with you you'll all be in good shape and hopefully stress free (at least with the snake, hahahaha. We all have stuff to stress over, but our pets hopefully shouldn't be one.).
Like the song goes "I got 99 problems, but my snakes ain't one". Ok, not EXACTLY how it goes ...

It’s just very stressful to me, like I want to nail it perfectly but I just feel that I’m just not cut out for it sometimes. And since I struggle with my mental health it just makes things way harder for me stress wise and etc. I truly want my snake to live the best life he possibly can as I love him very much. But it’s just really difficult for me to do 100%, as he’s my first pet.

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Originally Posted by TheReptileCyka

It’s just very stressful to me, like I want to nail it perfectly but I just feel that I’m just not cut out for it sometimes. And since I struggle with my mental health it just makes things way harder for me stress wise and etc. I truly want my snake to live the best life he possibly can as I love him very much. But it’s just really difficult for me to do 100%, as he’s my first pet.

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Keep your chin up. You're doing just fine and now making improvements. Only you know if you're not cut out for it, but I think you're doing fine and on your way to being a great snake parent. Don't give up yet, unless you feel it's the only choice. But I think you're selling yourself short. You're currently putting in tons of effort and taking steps to make improvements. That's what good keepers do.

I also suffer from mental health issues. I've been struggling lately, quite a bit (currently working with my drs to find the right balance of meds and therapy. Not fun, but I can see light at the end of the tunnel). But my snakes are my serenity. They bring me peace. And I promise, once you have everything dialed in it gets a LOT easier. My snakes actually help tremendously with my mental health.

I hope you don't get too discouraged, you're so close!!! And once you're there it's so much easier.

Feel free to PM me with any questions. You seem like a good person, who truly cares about their pet. So I'll be happy to help you out if I can.

Keep up the good work, you'll get there...and soon.

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Originally Posted by TheReptileCyka

It’s just very stressful to me, like I want to nail it perfectly but I just feel that I’m just not cut out for it sometimes. And since I struggle with my mental health it just makes things way harder for me stress wise and etc. I truly want my snake to live the best life he possibly can as I love him very much. But it’s just really difficult for me to do 100%, as he’s my first pet.

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You didn't exactly start with an easy "first pet"...so keep that in mind too. Don't beat yourself up, it sounds to me like you've almost got this dialed in, & it sure helps to know that for this species, normal sheds often resemble an "explosion", lol. I have lots of snake experience but none with any kind of retic, so I couldn't have told you that either.
Your good intentions speaks volumes about you. :gj: And no one's perfect all the time.

As far as the vet goes, check out his actual credentials (degrees & any advanced training)...most have them framed up on their wall somewhere, but they shouldn't be shy when asked about it.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

You didn't exactly start with an easy "first pet"...

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Nope. I’ve kept snakes for close to 25yrs and my two retics were the most challenging, expensive, and stressful animals I’ve ever kept. Never again.


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Nope. I’ve kept snakes for close to 25yrs and my two retics were the most challenging, expensive, and stressful animals I’ve ever kept. Never again.


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I've got over 15 years of snake keeping experience and started out about 21 years ago. Took a few years off. But I consider myself to be "experienced" and I personally haven't added a retic to the family and don't plan to.

Like the others said,a retic isn't an easy species, let alone for a fish time snake keeper. But that being said, you're still SOOOOO close. A retic wouldn't be my first choice, but they are awesome animals.

Keep doing what you're doing. Keep up the research and you'll be good to go.

And your next snake (cause one is never enough, hahahaha) will be a breeze for you. Well, most species anyway.

I've kept lotsa snakes of many (not all) kinds for 35 years now...time flies when you're having fun. :D I've had my share of challenging snakes (including some hots
for 20 years, & harmless lizard-eating longnose snakes that I've converted successfully to a diet of mice, also a very "hostile" -frightened!- & unwanted BCI that became
my sweet reliable pet with NO bites since she moved in with me) but no retics.

Keep in mind that when I got into snakes, there weren't forums to ask or much in the way of good books for reference. Whatever we choose to take on, we do our best
to research what is known, then bring our own powers of observation & common sense & whatever snake experience we have to the "table" & go from there. It all gets
easier with experience, & the whole reason for sharing our experience is so that the snakes get better care & those keeping them don't have to "re-invent the wheel".
There's always plenty more to learn anyway. :snake: Welcome...& fair warning, these things are habit-forming! :rofl:

For me I just really like big snakes you know? Maybe I shouldn’t have picked a retic because it’s super expensive and just all around stressful. But he’s literally a great snake in terms of personality, he’s so sweet and I’ve never had a problem with his temperament.

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Originally Posted by TheReptileCyka

For me I just really like big snakes you know? Maybe I shouldn’t have picked a retic because it’s super expensive and just all around stressful. But he’s literally a great snake in terms of personality, he’s so sweet and I’ve never had a problem with his temperament.

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See, we're here to help you over this little speed bump!!

You're on the right track, keep up the good work :gj:

Thank you all very much,

I was convinced if I came on this forum that I’d be ridiculed and hated. But apparently not, I was actually pretty welcomed here. Like I was convinced this morning I’d get loaded with people saying I’m a terrible person and etc etc. But I was actually in for a pleasant surprise! =)

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Originally Posted by TheReptileCyka

Thank you all very much,

I was convinced if I came on this forum that I’d be ridiculed and hated. But apparently not, I was actually pretty welcomed here. Like I was convinced this morning I’d get loaded with people saying I’m a terrible person and etc etc. But I was actually in for a pleasant surprise! =)

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That's AWESOME to hear!!!!