shedding problem

[ArGaT]

Hi There Guys an Gals.

I am a new BP owner and I have only had the snake for a week. I am having a big issue with maintaining high humidity. I am using the purpose built 3ft vivexotic vivarium with ceramic heater and heat mat. My humidity levels regularly drop to 36% which I know is waaay to dry. So I am spraying the viv at least 4 times a day to get the humidity near desired level 60-80%. I have put an extra water bowl directly under the ceramic bulb in an attempt to raise the humidity. He currently shedding and unfortunately he is having a hard time of it, its shedding in pieces. He is currently being treated for a RI (this is, I believe, due to the cool temps at the pet shop resulting in me having to inject him with antibiotics). Am I expecting too much for him to shed in one piece considering he's not in tip top condition? and what else can I do to assist him with his shedding.

Thanks for any pearls of wisdom that you guys wish to share.

[SRMD]

I also have a viv exotic 3ft with a ceramic heater, my humidity was also at 30-40%, I changed the substrate to orchid bark and the humidity is stable at 50-60% without misting, my BP just completed his first shed in there and was perfect.

I recommend removing the heat mat, I have a 60w CHE and the temps are kept spot on in the viv.

I recommend a substrate change, and you could add a humid hide, you could either buy a hide or make one your self and add some moss.

Don't bathe your snake, if there is stuck shed run your BP through a damp towel and apply gentle pressure this should get the stuck shed off, be sure to check the eyes and tail these are the places that are most dangerous when left with stuck shed.

Good luck

[ArGaT]

I hadn't thought of taking out the heat mat. and I will try the orchid bark. I have put a shedding box in the viv and he is using it. Thanks for the tip with the damp towel that has also helped. The eyes and tail are clear of shedding skin, its mainly now just at the back of his head and 1st third of his body / neck.. (HMM... where does a snakes neck end and body start?)

Cheers for the advice.