Kenyan Sand Boa Shedding/retained eyecaps

[El.]

I got a young KSB in April, and for the most part, they've done well, except that there is stuck shed on their head. When they shed a few days ago, it all came off well, except most of the skin on their head, including their eyes. I have gave them a bath for about and hour and a half the next day, but they seemed to keep their head above the water for the most part, and I want gonna shove their head down. For the duration of the shed, the humidity has been about 60%, and a little higher towards the end. I keep a bowl in the enclosure large enough to soak in at all times, there are hides on either side (cork bark) and the bedding is Aspen. Basking temperature is set to 90, ambient stays around 75. These temps are checked with a temp gun and the basking temperature is regulated with a thermostat. I am mainly worried because of the eye caps and the fact that they haven't eaten since they started shedding (I offered food twice, it was constricted and abandoned both times), and since they are young (~8-9", I don't know the exact age) I know they need more food to grow and whatever. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to help them get the stuck shed off and maybe some input as to how long they should go without food. Thank you.

[Avsha531]

I got a young KSB in April, and for the most part, they've done well, except that there is stuck shed on their head. When they shed a few days ago, it all came off well, except most of the skin on their head, including their eyes. I have gave them a bath for about and hour and a half the next day, but they seemed to keep their head above the water for the most part, and I want gonna shove their head down. For the duration of the shed, the humidity has been about 60%, and a little higher towards the end. I keep a bowl in the enclosure large enough to soak in at all times, there are hides on either side (cork bark) and the bedding is Aspen. Basking temperature is set to 90, ambient stays around 75. These temps are checked with a temp gun and the basking temperature is regulated with a thermostat. I am mainly worried because of the eye caps and the fact that they haven't eaten since they started shedding (I offered food twice, it was constricted and abandoned both times), and since they are young (~8-9", I don't know the exact age) I know they need more food to grow and whatever. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to help them get the stuck shed off and maybe some input as to how long they should go without food. Thank you.

Hey there, I had a similar situation with my KSB last week. He shed beautifully, except for the head. First of all, an hour and a half in the bath is way too long. I misted the tank a little bit, and within 2 days I found the whole headshed in one clean piece, eyecaps and all. IMO, I think 60% humidity for KSBs for extended periods of time is just too high, but you can spray them a bit when in shed. I'd give it a shpritz and a few days to see if the rest of the shed comes off before worrying too much. KSBs are perfectly fine going weeks without eating.


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[El.]

Cool, thanks. I saw some folks on other reptile sites saying it took an 1-2 hours for the dry skin to soften enough, but if you've had success without having to soak them at all, I'll definitely avoid it, I'm sure desert snakes such as my own would prefer not to be soaked if it can be avoided. I'll keep an eye on the little fella and mist them here and there. Thanks again

[Prognathodon]

A humid hide - damp sphagnum moss in the hide, definitely helps. The only problem I have is my guy keeps dragging the moss out.


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