Terrible Week

[Chee]

So, to start things off, the first snake that I have ever owned is going through his first shed and it's going awful. First, I left him alone for a week because he was in shed, but in doing so his cage got super dirty because I wasn't opening the cage and looking around it because I was leaving him alone, so did his water. And I know the humidity is low I was going to buy a fogger this weekend but already it seems to have had a bad affect because his old skin doesn't seem to want to come off, and he hates soaking so much that my normally lazy snake tries everything to get away from me to avoid the water so I can't soak him and use a rag to try and get the dead skin off. And then I didn't get a chance to buy more crickets for my lizard who is looking thin now. On top of that I got in a car accident on Monday and now my car is totaled and I had to miss two days of work because I was so emotionally distraught over it since it was my first crash ever, both as a driver or as a passenger. And I feel like a terrible snake/lizard owner. And now because of the accident I'm behind on my writing. And it's just been a bad week overall, and now I feel bad for spending an entire post complaining... and I think my original reason for this post was to get some encouragement, but I feel bad asking for it.

[wilomn]

Make a humid hide, plastic container with a hole cut in it big enough for your snake to crawl through. Get some moss or even paper towels if you can't find moss, though most large hardware stored or nurseries carry it, get it wet in the container, put the container in the cage and let him hang out in there. A few days without food for a healthy lizard shouldn't pose any long term problems, just feed.

Spit happens so get done with being stressed and bummed and get back to doing what you do. You're alive, you're healthy, what's so bad about that?

There is nothing you want to do that you can't do.

[Chee]

That was actually quite helpful. Thank you.

[NH93]

That does sound like a crappy week... but don't let a crappy week turn into a crappy month.

Personally, I wouldn't waste money on a fogger for your snake. Humid hides are great, as mentioned already. I'd suggest sphagnum moss (it's cheap and last forever!), follow the instructions and ring it out well. You want it damp, not wet!

As for soaking, do so after the bad shed has happened (not before - don't want to wash away any important oils) in 80F water. That would feel slightly cool to you, NOT WARM. Our body's skin temperature sits around 90F or higher in some areas, so luke warm to us is VERY warm to some snakes, which could explain the freaking out going on with your snake... partially, anyway.

When in shed you can definitely do spot cleanings and water changes! It is just typically suggested to keep handling to a minimum to avoid stress for the snake.

I think the lizard thing is a bit in your head... they don't drop weight that quickly, as far as I know!

I hope you are feeling okay after your accident. Wishing you all the best -- and keep your chin up darlin'!