bad shed solution!

[wolftrap]

So it was completely my mistake that I didn't bring up my BP's humidity enough when I noticed she was in blue, so when she shed, it was in small shreds and she still had large chunks of skin on her belly and on either side of her neck. After researching several solutions, I'd like to share what I did in case I can help any other new snake owners who have the same problem!


I had her soak in an 85 F bath for about ten minutes, with the water just high enough to submerge the thickest part of her body about halfway (since my problem was only with her belly scales). The shed loosened, but didn't come off, and I felt that leaving her in a container of water would stress her out. So I sat with her for about an hour, dampening a hand towel with the same 85 F water she'd been soaking in, gently going over the edges of the stuck shed and slowly working it loose.

The belly shed came off very easily, but of course, her smaller-scaled neck took much longer... but it was amazing in that she was sooo relaxed the entire time, almost as if it felt good to get all that gross old skin off, which I'm sure it did! She was so patient as I worked even closer to her head and I finally worked the last shreds off.

So obviously, learning opportunity to definitely make sure her humidity is higher when I notice that she's in shed. But also, learning opportunity that there is a low stress solution to the problem if it ever arises!

Has anyone else done it this way? Thoughts? Thanks for reading!

[Bogertophis]

Been there, done that, many times over the years. Snakes do seem to figure out when & that we are actually helping them, and I'd MUCH rather help them shed
while it's fresh than to wait while the old skin gets dried out & even more stuck-on. It's just one more chance for your snake to learn that you're no threat, and
that's a win, IMO.

[Ilovecats124]

I did that with my ballpython because after she got to my home from shipping, her shed was stuck. She tried to shed in the shipping box but I didn’t want to stress her more so I let her get accumulated to her new enclosure for a day and then I did that method of gently rubbing warm water on the stuck shed. I used a cotton ball though.

[Zincubus]

As above ... best method after a soak is to have a very damp , rough textured bath towel and wrap the wet snake in it ... then let it slither around inside , whilst applying very gentle pressure .. when it's head pops out just cover with the towel and continue


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[wolftrap]

As above ... best method after a soak is to have a very damp , rough textured bath towel and wrap the wet snake in it ... then let it slither around inside , whilst applying very gentle pressure .. when it's head pops out just cover with the towel and continue


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Hopefully I won’t have this issue again, but if I do, I’ll try that method.


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[WhompingWillow]

Hopefully maintaining proper humidity now that he's a bit settled will help prevent bad sheds in the future. You can't do much that's preventative if they arrive extra crispy. As others have mentioned, a warm, damp towel usually does the trick, but if it's extra stubborn shed, Zilla makes a product called Shed-Ease that works wonders.

[Zincubus]

Hopefully I won’t have this issue again, but if I do, I’ll try that method.


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It actuality works excellently .. really good for removing stubborn patches and even retained eye caps as you can 'target' specific areas .. just applying very , very gentle pressure .. the textured towel works the magic


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[Skittles1101]

I have not had this issue since getting racks, but when I did use a tank putting them in a damp pillow case and letting them work it off themselves worked well. If you find yourself having to soak frequently, I would avoid total submersion on a regular basis because the water will also remove oils they need to assist with shedding naturally. Starts a vicious cycle. But everyone has some great advice!