Cracked eyes?!?!

i recently adopted a new ball python. but it seems it has cracked eyes. i dont know if its from a past shed or what but does anybody know bout anything liek this

Sounds like retained eye caps...

I agree with Laura...try soaking the snake and then upping the humidity in your setup :)

Sounds more like a dimpled eye due to lack of humidity. Either way, as Sarah said, try a soak and making sure your ambient humidity stays in the 50's. The problem should right itself by the next shed.


Do NOT try to remove any eyecaps, as they may not really be there and it risks permanent eye injury. Even if the eyecaps are stuck, it won't hurt the snake to let them come off with the next shed.

What if they don't come off in the next few sheds? Can a vet put them out and take them off for you?

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Originally Posted by Nippy

What if they don't come off in the next few sheds? Can a vet put them out and take them off for you?

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If they don't come off with the next shed, I'd have either a vet, or an experienced breeder take a look. They snake doesn't need to be "put out" to take off stuck eyecaps, but a very steady hand may be needed, as well as a certainty that it is indeed retained eyecaps that are being pulled off.

i got him yesterday and didnt notice his eyes. i just finished bathing him and im gonna keep proper humidity for her. hopefulyl by her next shed she'll be fine. thx for the advice. and what should the humidity be at?

If you can keep it between 50% and 60%, you'll be golden. :)

About 50-60%... There is a really good care sheet. When your on the home page look for the care sheet link...Great stuff, and everyone here is awesome with questions and all kings of knowledge! :sunny:

Dang, Judy! LOL :P

I read somewhere (thought it was in the BP manual by Philippe de Vosjoli, but I'm not finding it at the moment) that for retained eyecaps, you can get a q-tip and soak it in lukewarm water, and gently rub the eyecaps to loosen the retained skin. But the best thing to do when in doubt is to go see a vet, no questions asked.

It sounds like dehydration to me. A good soaking "should" fix it right up.

I agree with Judy. If it's an eye cap, leave it alone. If it doesnt come off in the next shed, see a vet or experienced breeder.

i had that problem with floyd when i first got him (my first) so i freaked out and took him to the vet right away. the vet said to try coating it with mineral oil (being careful not to get it into his nostrils) it worked pretty well for him. we've also done this a few times for shedding trouble.

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Originally Posted by Purrrfect9

I read somewhere (thought it was in the BP manual by Philippe de Vosjoli, but I'm not finding it at the moment) that for retained eyecaps, you can get a q-tip and soak it in lukewarm water, and gently rub the eyecaps to loosen the retained skin. But the best thing to do when in doubt is to go see a vet, no questions asked.

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I would just be careful because although q-tips are cotton there very scratchy...So I duh know honostly have never had to use them this way...

My vet also told me the mineral oil trick, but really best thing to do is just soak and let them shed again. If you soak and your humidity is 50-60% they should come off in shed.
My albino has cracked looking eyes just before he sheds once his eyes come back from being blue. Never noticed on my other bp's but maybe it is easier to see on those flaming red eyes of his.

Soak and let him run thru a terry cloth towel and just wait for shed. You will be fine.