The new boa that my grandfather had purchased for me (after seeing how he ((snake)) was being kept and all the "battle wounds" from being fed live) is causing alot of concern to make itself comfortable in my mind.

I have not had him very long, and he has had these "symptoms (?)" since he was handed to me. Perhaps I'm being paranoid because I've not got to hold such a large snake, and have only seen them through glass or pictures. I'm hoping it is just paranoia setting in, but I'm growing more concerned every time I look at the poor baby.

For one, his skin seems to be very loose. It folds even if he turns his body in a slight coil, it looks even worse when he's tightly coiled. When holding him, you can feel his skin kind of squish, and you can see it make a few folds on your hand, arm, etc.

Also, he has many raised scales, and places that look like what happens to our skin when we lean on something like the side of a desk.
That line indention that looks like this: ______

I noticed, too, that the poor boy has stuck shed in his nostrils.

I'm not sure what I should do about the stuck shed, if anything. But, please, if anybody knows why his skin feels and looks the way it does, explain to me. I'm so worried about him, because I must say, I've grown quite attached and I only want him to be comfortable and healthy.

I DO have a vet appointment for him, but since we have to wait to get in, I figured I would ask.

If it is dehydration, should I be misting him? I have him on aspen...would it cause mold growth? His humidity is at 55%, hot spot at 85 degrees F, cool spot at 75 degrees F. Could he be underweight? Sorry for all of the questions, I'm just concerned.

Thank you in advance! Any help would be appreciated.