Help for a newbie

[Rangerktc1]

Hi all. Found this forum recently and I'm asking for some advice. I bought a ball python recently (young male about 24 inches) I have him setup in a nice 40 gallon terrarium. I used advice on the setup I've seen here and on your basic care sheets. The first 3 weeks he ate fine; would feed him 1 rat a week. 2 weeks ago I noticed he was ready to shed and he was not interested in eating which I know is normal. After a week he still had not shed (except for a few pieces here and there). I then bought a bottle of shed ease and gave him a couple of baths. A lot more came off immediately and over the next 3 days most of the rest. The head and neck however have still not shed and don't appear to be loosening. (I've also been spraying him and the tank almost daily to keep humidity level up).

I'm getting worried because the front still has not shed off and he's still not interested in eating (about 2.5 weeks now). He doesn't appear sick or anything; maybe less active than he was first few weeks. Is this serious? Any recommendations.

Any advice is appreciated!

[M.P.C]

How are you measuring humidity

[Rangerktc1]

Have not been so far. I guess I should? What should it be kept at?

[BrandyL1193]

Get a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer/ hygrometer....you can find them cheap online.

[Eric Alan]

I know you said you read some set-up and basic care sheets, but have you read the one linked below in my signature (the top link)? It'll give you the recommendations that you're seeking regarding humidity and all sorts of other wonderful things.

Also, here's a good place to start gathering information now that you've experienced a bad shed: Bad shed? No problem.

[Rangerktc1]

Thanks all for the advise here! It is greatly appreciated.

[JoshSloane]

Provide a humid hide during each shed and you won't have any issues. Tupper ware stuffed with damp moss and a hole for the snake to get in and out. Easy.

[Rangerktc1]

I added a fogger which keeps humidity at a good level. My python completed it's shed finally and seems pretty active again. Only thing he still won't eat; it's been 3 weeks. Should I worry?