I've never heard of anyone using either method. I can't imagine it would work the same on scales as it would human skin. I know a few people tried using an oil, which resulted in scales flaking off.
I think the best thing for proventing a bad shed is maintaining proper humidity levels, and a simple soak in regular old water works wonders in removing a stuck shed.
Cause when push comes to shove you taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break cause its all you can take
On your knees you look up decide you've had enough
You get mad you get strong wipe your hands shake it off
Then you Stand
Benson and Sons Snake Oil is the only type of moisturizer I have heard of for reptiles. This is made by nature zone and has all natural oils.
My wife uses it on her tortoise and hasnt had any issues. I have never had the need to use it on my ball pythons. If you mist before and during shed it usually comes off in one peice.
Last edited by Westcoast; 01-27-2008 at 11:52 PM.
Reason: spelling
I use fragrance free lotion all the time for retained eyecaps and stuck sheds and it works like a charm. That and a good soaking is the best remedy. I had a rescue that I aquired with retained eyecaps and 2 days of lotion and it came off by itself. ALWAYS use fragrance free to avoid reactions. This method was originally reccomended to me by Reptile Depot, they have stuck shed problems all the time.