Question about "blue phase" of shedding

[Reita07]

I have a ball python that's been in the blue phase longer than I've experienced with any of my snakes. I have 31, ball pythons, hognose, retic, common boa, and amazon tree boa.. the ball python I'm asking about though was deep blue(eyes were very very milky/cloudy) on 3/30, last month. It's been 10 days now and she still hasn't done the normal "clearing up" before shedding. She's not as in the blue as before but still more than I have seen for the time that's passed. Os this normal? Her previous sheds were not this long (in the blue).

[Bogertophis]

When was the last time she ate? Was it a small or large meal? I suspect her lengthy shed time may be due to a recent meal that she's still digesting.

Both shedding and digestion requires (ie. uses hydration- water!) from their body to get the job done. Ever notice that fresh sheds are moist? Snakes secrete a little moisture between the old & new skin, to facilitate the removal. Many snakes have trouble doing both shedding & digesting at the same time, which is why I avoid feeding my snakes when & if I notice they're going "blue". That's also why many snakes instinctively refuse meals at the same time, or once fully in blue.

The challenge of digesting & shedding simultaneously generally results in one of 2 things: Most likely, the shed will take longer, & may end up "stuck", or coming off in a "million" pieces. NOT fun.

But that's actually the better scenario- some snakes may end up regurgitating their meal- which besides being gross & smelling bad enough to make you join in, can even (rarely) cause a snake to die if they happen to choke from the process- more likely with larger prey items. They also can aspirate the semi-digested gunk into their lung- with a very bad outcome.

Right now, I'd make sure her humidity is on the high side- about 70-75%, & encourage her to drink a little water if you can. (You could put a small bowl gently to her chin, or just mist her face & see if she drinks the droplets.) Mostly, you're stuck just waiting at this point.