Shedding Question...

[tiny_tiger60978]

Hey guys, just wondering about my bp. I've noticed my bp is kinda strange when it's time to shed, and just wanted to know if any of yall have heard of anything like this...

A few days before she sheds, like all bps she turns a dull, milky color all over. The weird thing is, after a day or two of being milky, she turns back completely shiny and colorfull, though she's not as soft. (feels like she's gonna shed-her scales are still hard and rough to the touch)

I've asked other people what they think and have just basically been insulted cuz they think she's just "dusty" from her substrate when I say she's a pre-shed milky color. Now, I soak her in warm water more when she's about to shed to help loosen her scales, and she's not dusty...

She'll usually shed just a day or two after turning back to "normal" though. I thought maybe it was because I use a shed-aid on her, but let her go a month without it and she did the same thing... Anyone else have this happen???

(PS for those of you who were wondering, I use a shed aid with her because the first month I had her and she shed, it literaly took her a full month-with soakings in warm water-to fully shed.)

[stratus_020202]

It's normal, but it sounds like your humidity is a little off. How are you measuring it?

The milky stuff is just a build up between the old scales and the new ones, when it goes away that means the skins are completely seperated and it's time for her to shed. They all do it.

[tiny_tiger60978]

oh...ok. that makes sence i guess. it's just weird that she waits so long after she's not milky. she turned milky two days ago so i've bumped it up to 60-80% humidity. I measure it with a humidity gage just inside her tank

[stratus_020202]

Yeah, those gauges suck. Have you ever looked at a whole bunch of them together at the store? They are all different and some can be off by about 10%. I would get a digital. They are pretty cheap, and you can lay the probe right on the substrate (where you ball spends most of his time) and get an accurate reading.

[tiny_tiger60978]

Wow...never looked before. Kinda got all of my stuff in a "kit". I'll look into getting a better one. Was gonna look for a better thermometer too...

Any suggestions for a brand or where to get one (that's not gonna break the bank)???

Thanks for all the help!!!

[Swingline0.0.1]

What else came in your "kit"? Usually they are not the best. You can get an accurite digital thermometer for about 12 bucks at walmart.

[tiny_tiger60978]

Well, the only things i haven't replaced from my kit is the thermometer and humidity gage...different tank, water bowl, hide. Like I said, I'm planning on replacing them (get paid on Friday). Thanks for the tip though-I'll get digital ones ASAP!

[stratus_020202]

Yeah, get one like this:

http://www.partshelf.com/acu00891.html

That way you can use the actualy unit to measure the cold side of the tank, and you can put the probe on the warm side. It measures everything right there. So easy You should be able to get them at a hardware store, or walmart. Any indoor/outdoor type will work.

I bought mine off ebay for like $10-$15. Just search for indoor/outdoor thermometer/hygrometer. The pet stores might have them too, but I'm pretty sure they are way more expensive.