Problem Shedder

[hig]

Also, are you soaking your snake before he sheds? That's actually a bad thing, as it pulls natural oils out of the skin that help them shed, and can make a shed go badly. One should only soak after a bad shed to help remove it.

I have never heard this before, do you have a source?

[Annarose15]

What are you using to measure humidity? If it's a dial type gauge stuck on the side, those are often wrong. I use an Accurite Indoor/Outdoor thermometer from Walmart ($12) that measure the two temps and humidity. I keep humidity between 50-60% all the time, then when I see the cloudy cast to the belly, I mist, sometimes several times a day, to keep humidity 70-75%. I've never had a problem with sheds, even on the rescue BP that the girl had for two years and "never had a normal shed". His first shed (and all the rest) with me using my normal method was absolutely perfect.

Also, are you soaking your snake before he sheds? That's actually a bad thing, as it pulls natural oils out of the skin that help them shed, and can make a shed go badly. One should only soak after a bad shed to help remove it.

X2 Many, many times the culprit of bad sheds (after low humidity) is good intentions. Stripping the natural oil from the skin is the same reason you shouldn't bathe your dog right before applying a topical like Frontline (needs the oils to absorb properly).

[Sita]

Also, are you soaking your snake before he sheds? That's actually a bad thing, as it pulls natural oils out of the skin that help them shed, and can make a shed go badly. One should only soak after a bad shed to help remove it.

I have never heard this before, do you have a source?

Personal experience, several friends who own snakes, people on this forum and other forums....The general idea goes that they had a bad shedder or thought that you should soak before a shed, they bumped up humidity AND soaked the snake and still had bad sheds. Next time around they ONLY increase humidity and do not soak, and the shed goes just fine.

[hig]

Cool makes sense. Mine have always had fine sheds and I rarely soak them. I don't recall hearing this before, usually read people suggesting soaking their bp before a shed. Thanks!

[chosen2030]

Are some snakes just more picky/sensitive about humidity than others? I have 3 right now, and have had as many as 6 at one time that I kept in identical conditions and this bumblebee male is the only one that has had ongoing shedding issues.

[Sita]

Are some snakes just more picky/sensitive about humidity than others? I have 3 right now, and have had as many as 6 at one time that I kept in identical conditions and this bumblebee male is the only one that has had ongoing shedding issues.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if some individual snakes need higher humidity than others. It probably has something to do with that particular snake's genetics, like maybe the genes responsible for producing the oils are affected. Who knows? You can try bumping the humidity much higher for a couple days from blue till shed, like instead of 70%, go for 90%. And use a digital hygrometer, like the Accurite one from Walmart. Yes, high humidity can cause respiratory issues, but I've only known of it when it's long periods of high humidity.

[SlitherinSisters]

Does he eat regularly and is he in good health? I have a make that doesn't eat over the winter and he has horrible sheds while he's not eating.

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[chosen2030]

Does he eat regularly and is he in good health? I have a male that doesn't eat over the winter and he has horrible sheds while he's not eating.

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He's never refused a meal.

[SlitherinSisters]

He's never refused a meal.

Hmm... that was my only idea besides humidity issues :-/

[chosen2030]

Sita, is this the one you mean? http://www.walmart.com/ip/AcuRite-Di...nitor/16888914