First shed

[Rickys_Reptiles]

The point that the experienced keepers are trying to make, if I may speak on behalf, is that if you have correct husbandry then soaking isn't needed.

Rather than taking the "easy way out" right away, why not focus on developing a proper husbandry routine for your snake? Soaking may work, but if you have the correct husbandry then it's not required.

[Zincubus]

The point that the experienced keepers are trying to make, if I may speak on behalf, is that if you have correct husbandry then soaking isn't needed.

Rather than taking the "easy way out" right away, why not focus on developing a proper husbandry routine for your snake? Soaking may work, but if you have the correct husbandry then it's not required.

That's fair enough although I think that point has been mentioned many times on this and the other related threads to be fair ..

As regards the stripping of essential oils debate , this may " shed " some light on the topic :-
Copied and pasted from another forum .

" Actually, the expression essetial oils is referred to their aromatic properties. It's true that reptile scales have several kind of fat acids and waxes on their surface, but the main characteristic of this kind of molecules is it's hydrophobia (they repel water). So, bathing your snake would not harm it, unless you add something else to the water"

[DVirginiana]

Where did this ' preemptive ' aspect come from ??

I've not seen anybody suggesting a soak BEFORE a snake goes into shed , certainly not myself .... the time for a short soak is AFTER it has had an unsuccessful shed ..

The 'preemptive aspect' was referring to the fact that this thread i talking bout soaking prior to a shed being retained. IMO there's no reason to soak until you know something has gone wrong with the shed. If the shed is progressing normally, there's no reason to soak. Just let the snake shed on its own.