Ball python Scales get really dry hours away from shedding

[pharaoh'smommy]

Hello guys my ball pythons scales get dry hours away from shedding and I don't know why. Her humidity was at 50 when I woke up but now it's at 77 her hemps on her cool side is about 70-80 and on the warm side 80-85. She's in a tank so her humidity is never really stable so I tried the foil method but it didn't work so now im using a towel. Can someone help me!!

[Craiga 01453]

The scales are dry because a shed is coming...

But more importantly your temps need drastic improvement. 70 is way too low. You never want to go below 75, but should be shooting for around 80 for a cool side. You also want a hot spot around 88-89.

Since there's so much variance in your temps I'm guessing you don't have your heating equipment regulated by a thermostat????

[pharaoh'smommy]

No it was supposed to come in the mail but it's delayed

[pharaoh'smommy]

I wanted to post a picture to show you but I don't know how

[Craiga 01453]

You can download the free app Tapatalk to upload pics.

[Turningstar]

Since you dont have a thermostat yet, are you checking temps with a temp gun or just the stick on type? You should be aware that the stick on types are not a reliable source of checking temps.



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[vivi]

I would also unplug your heating element to prevent any overheating until you have the thermostat.

Analog thermometers are wildly inaccurate, I would not use those.

[Bogertophis]

Since you dont have a thermostat yet, are you checking temps with a temp gun or just the stick on type? You should be aware that the stick on types are not a reliable source of checking temps.



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Besides being cheap & not accurate, the 'stick-on' type of thermometers are always STUCK in the wrong PLACE! You must know the temperatures of the cage floor
that the snake will come in CONTACT with.

If a thermometer is stuck up on the side of a cage, it's measuring the ambient air above the floor & will be cooler than the surface where the snake may touch & get burned.

I like to know what the ambient air temperature is for my snakes, but it's not as crucial as the maximum temperature your pet may come in contact with.