New owner, bad shed, when & what to do?

[MetalheadOC]

Hi all. I havn't had time yet to search thru the forum and probably won't for a little while, so I'm throwing this out there in hopes of a quick answer.

I've recently, and somewhat unexpectedly, "inherited" a ball python. Was always on my list of critters I'd like to keep some day, but pretty far down the list, so now I'm reading up everything I can find on proper care.

Anyways, I've had the snake for a couple of weeks now and he's having a bad shed. I know the why (low humidity), and how to avoid it in the future, but I need to know when to take a more active hand, and just what to do. He (she?) started shedding Tuesday, and by now all the old skin is off except for his head and of course the troublesome eye caps. I tried gently peeling off what was loose, but of course the snake did not appreciate this (wasn't hurting him at all, just didn't like it) so I didn't want to press the issue.

So what's my next step from here? I'm keeping the tank around 70% humidity (I think, he keeps knocking down the hygrometer) with a wet towel covering most of the screen top, and he's got a heated covered bowl of water to soak in when he wants.

[DellaF]

Some say put a wet towel, snake in a pillow case leave over night. I'm new to BP's so that's just something I've read. I'm sure someone with more experience will be along shortly to help you out.

[Vypyrz]

Here is a link to the method that I use. You don't have to squeeze hard, just a gentle pressure as the snake crawls through the towel. After the first couple of passes through the towel, you will get the hang of it. If the eyecaps do not come off, I would recommend just waiting for the next shed...

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...hed-No-problem.

[youbeyouibei]

Like Vypryz posted with that link, the information in there works like a charm. Had some issues with my albino male a week or so back, checked that sticky out and it took care of it no problem. Good luck to you and welcome to Bp.net!

[BFS]

Put some damp sphagnum moss ($5 at a pet store) in its cool hide to make a humid hide, and leave him alone for a week. Check that the moss is damp every day or two.

[MetalheadOC]

Hey thanks for the input guys. After a few days now he seems to have gotten most off himself, there's just a little bit left on the top of his head & just behind. Tried the towel trick mentioned above and he wasn't having any of that, does NOT like his head being messed with (can't say that I blame him). I'm also trying one of those "shed helper" remedies when I get him out, but best just to leave it till the next shed at this point? He doesn't seem to be distressed by it in the slightest.

On a side note, brought home the first mouse for him today which he practically inhaled, much to my relief. Could underfeeding cause any long-term problems? From what I've been able to find out of his history, he's been eating a single mouse every two weeks, but from what I've read on here & else where, judging by his body size he should be eating a good-sized rat every week. I plan to give him another mouse at least within the next few days.