New snake owner, New snake, Bad shed- Please help.

[LittleTreeGuy]

I just read through this... and there are some good suggestions here, but some bad ones as well. I'm a VERY new snake owner, but I like to think I've done my homework and try to listen to the snake owners and breeders with what works (and about 99% of the time, that's what just makes sense).

Just to put them all in one place... then if I miss something or it's said in error, anyone with more knowledge, please correct me...

1. Humidity. 50%-60% at all times is good and in the 70%'s during shed is good. Keeping it around 70% all the time isn't a bad thing.
2. Thermostat - as stated - possibly the single most important thing in your setup. For a UTH, it's a must. lights, CHE's, and RHP's can be put on a dimmer switch, but all are even better when controlled by a thermostat of some kind.
3. Heat - You should have a warm spot, where the surface of the enclosure is around 90 degrees. A UTH on a thermostat will get this for you easily. Hot spot of 90-92, Cool/opposite side of the tank can be mid-high 70's, and your ambients will vary depending on type of enclosure, room temp, etc... best if in the high 70's-mid 80's.
4. Sheds - If your temps and humidity are in check consistently, this should not be any issue. As Slim referred to above, I think some problems come from low humidty and people try to raise it when the snake "go blue". This can work, but at this point, the snake is already into the shed process. Maintaining a constant humidity is a better approach, from what I have read and understand.
5. Bathing/soaking - Unless recommended by a good Herp Vet - I would not do it, and will never do it with my snake(s). I have yet to read where BP's benefit from it really. The water is more likely to break down and remove the natural oils that the snake's skin produces. This could result in dryer skin. Bathing also seems to stress the snake. It's not something most BP's normally do under their own power unless they are trying to get relief from mites.

Sounds like you're on the right track... just get the heat regulated with a t-stat of some kind and try to keep humidity up and you'll likely see a rather quick turn-around with this guy.