No more retained shed!

[psycho]

This method is similar to the one you'll do when your snake had a bad shed...but this one you do it before it sheds...This is a good technique to use for all you herps that are struggling to increase your humidity. Even though you couldn't provide good humidity while your snake was in a shedding cycle...everything will come off if you use this method. If you are tired of retained shed here's the solution...
First make sure your snake is on the last stage of shedding (when the snake's eyes have cleared up). You can't really tell on this picture but her eyes are clear...



Now you want to put your snake in a container filled with room temperature water or 80'F-85'F. Make sure the container has no holes so the warm water won't cool off. Fill the container half way or 3/4 of the snake's sides. Leave your snake there for 30-40 minutes...



30-40 minutes later take out your snake & gently dry it off with a clean towel...do it couple of times as this helps loosen the skin a bit...



Put it back in its enclosure & within 24 hours it should shed without retained shed or eye caps...



Even though it looks like your snake shed everything just in case take a closer look & see if theres any eye caps or shed on the tail tip which these are the most common places shed will be stuck...

I've talked to people here on BP.net about this method & they've asked for a visual but I had to wait 'til one of my snakes went threw a shedding cycle. You can add this thread to your favorites so it's within easy reach. Thanks for watching!

[psycho]

Anyone has any questions or comments?

[Beto510]

I soaked my bp yesterday afternoon ...so far i havent seen a shed lol

[Kaorte]

Soaking your snake before it actually begins to shed tends to make the shed go BAD. It leaches oils from their skin that they need to shed.

I am glad your snake had a good shed but this isn't really a good practice. You should have proper humidity in your tanks to have a good shed. You shouldn't have to bathe your snake everytime it is in shed just to make it have a good shed.

:/ Just my opinion.

[psycho]

Soaking your snake before it actually begins to shed tends to make the shed go BAD. It leaches oils from their skin that they need to shed. I am glad your snake had a good shed but this isn't really a good practice. You should have proper humidity in your tanks to have a good shed. You shouldn't have to bathe your snake everytime it is in shed just to make it have a good shed. :/ Just my opinion.

Actually my snakes shed perfectly everytime i do this...i've never had a "BAD" shed when i do this...& about proper humidity...NOT everyone can maintain a steady humid cycle because it depends on where you live...You can spray you can do whatever you want but it's hard to keep your humidity up when you're in a really HOT place...Thanks for your concern though...

[Kaorte]

There are ways of keeping your humidity up in a dry climate. Humid hides, treating the screen top, insulation, getting rid of heat lamps, Substrate change.

Anyone should be able to maintain at least 50% humidity which will result in a good shed.

[likebull1]

There are ways of keeping your humidity up in a dry climate. Humid hides, treating the screen top, insulation, getting rid of heat lamps, Substrate change.

Anyone should be able to maintain at least 50% humidity which will result in a good shed.

Exactly. As long as they are in a tub there is no reason you would not be able to maintain proper humidity. Even with a screen top there are plenty of ways to keep your humidity.
There really are no excuses for improper humidity.

[cinderbird]

Soaking your snake before it actually begins to shed tends to make the shed go BAD. It leaches oils from their skin that they need to shed.

I am glad your snake had a good shed but this isn't really a good practice. You should have proper humidity in your tanks to have a good shed. You shouldn't have to bathe your snake everytime it is in shed just to make it have a good shed.

:/ Just my opinion.

i agree 100%

Proper humidity is important for ball pythons for more than just shedding reasons, the water in the air helps hydrate them internally as well.

[CBI]

I am pretty new to this web site but have been keeping ball pythons and other python species for the last 10 years...

Here in Arizona we have very "dry heat".... you have to go the extra mile to ensure that humity levels in the tubs are adequate. All of my snakes shed in one piece every time (knock on wood)... I keep temperatures within their seasonal range, place larger than normal water bowls in their tubs and ensure they are full (daily), the ventilation of the tub is no more than 25% of the top surface (it could vary for someone in another region) and whenever they go on the "blue" I use a spray bottle to mist them with clean water (every other day).

I couldn't tell you if its the best method but, it seems to work for me in a very dry environment....