I have decided to never buy a snake from any of the local pet stores again. I just recently received a new baby pastel ball (nicknamed Kaa) from the local pet smart as a birthday gift, and upon getting it home I noticed that his/her skin was very wrinkly and the spine was noticeable. However, he started a shed the next day and is still finishing that up and I've heard that sometimes they can get dehydrated looking when they go into a shed. The skin is flaking more than sloughing off completely which I would think would also indicate dehydration. The team members at the store were unable to provide me with any information as to the last feeding time, nor anything about Kaa's temperament, feeding habits, or history.

i'd appreciate any suggestions as I've heard a few different things as far as treatments and i'm a little confused. Some sources say to soak for a few hours every day, others say to soak multiple times a day; however some sources say not to handle for a few weeks. Other sources still suggest simply misting the tank. Furthermore he hasn't fed since he's been home and some sources say that's fine while others state the dehydration could be fatal if he doesn't eat. So I don't know whether to handle or leave him alone, and whether to keep attempting to feed or leave him be.

I will attempt to get some decent pictures when i get home. He has a constantly full water dish and two hides, his temp is 87 on his warm side and about 82 on the cool. Aspen bedding and I don't use a daytime light, simple a red heat lamp for his warm side and the natural light cycle in the room. The humidity fluctuates around 50% but my meter needs replacing as its old.

(Side note: my last snake was also from the same store and died from an eating disorder)