Bad Shedding :(

[Minpin1985]

My young ball python is 5 months old and started to shed about 10 days ago but only his head had shed and nothing else until yesterday...I am concerned because it is all coming off in pieces small and large, but there are still some large pieces of skin on his back that don't seem to want to come off. I don't know what I am supposed to do. I saw one person on a reptile show peel off a rat snake's dry skin but don't know if I am supposed to help him by doing that or what. Any help would be welcome!

[Skittles1101]

It sounds like your husbandry may be off. What are the temps in the enclosure, humidity. Describe the setup and pictures would be helpful.

[llovelace]

Just give him a soak for about 20 minutes in tepid water, the shed should come right off if you let him slide through a damp wash cloth.

When he starts to go in shed again try to increase the humidity.

[Minpin1985]

Ok I will get some pics posted soon... the temp is about 85 and we are trying to get a new humidity gauge thermometer because we got one but it shot up to 50 then down to 20 then up to 30 and down again...we need to find a accurate one and are willing to pay more for it. I've tried to keep up the humidity (once we tried raising it, he finally started peeling, so I think that was part of the problem) by spraying with slightly warm water and putting plastic on the top to keep it in. I have a large water bowl for him to swim in and a bowl with a wet wash cloth to also help. We are going to try an idea that another snake owner said by getting a aquarium air pump with air stone and putting it in water and turn it on daily to make it humid.

[Skittles1101]

Okay, please look over this caresheet http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet
The hot spot should be between 88-92, and I keep my ambient temp around 80. It may help if the hides were identical and tight fitting. I use these:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

I have never heard of a ball python swimming, so if you are seeing him soak often I'd check for mites. Be careful the substrate doesn't get wet, damp substrate can lead to scale rot and bacteria build up inside the enclosure.

As for temp/ humidity readings you can use the accurite indoor/outdoor ones which aren't too bad for the price, a lot of people use them. Also if money isn't an issue, you can get a temp gun. My temp gun is my favorite and most used tool.
http://tempguns.com/

Also, how are you heating the enclosure? Are you using an under tank heater (UTH) or heat lights, or both??

[Minpin1985]

How do I post pics? I clicked on that little button but it says to enter url?

[Skittles1101]

Upload them to a hosting site like tinypic.com, then copy and paste the IMG link

[Minpin1985]

Here's pics: (hope you get them ok!)

[Skittles1101]

Here you go. I suggest getting two identical hides, you can really use a smaller water dish. I'd cover more of the top with a towel or aluminum foil or plexi glass 1/2-2/3 of the way. Also, you can pick up black Con-tact paper from Home Depot and cover the sides and back of the tank.

Are you using a UTH or only those lamps??

[Minpin1985]

sorry about that hopefully this works better: http://s1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Minpin1985/