stuck shed on head

[blackpastelball]

So I just went through my first shedding experience with my ball python. I noticed the shed early and adjusted my humidity accordingly (70%) which was measured by a digital hygrometer. He finally began shedding lastnight. I could hear him moving around in his tank for quite a while (30+ minutes) so I decided to see how he was doing. He was in his split log hide moving in circles trying to shed. He had managed to roll the skin just behind his head 3/4 of the way down his body but the skin on his nose/head wasn't coming off and he kept rubbing his nose on the log to get it off but with no avail. I did not want him to rub his nose raw so I put him in a tub to soak (for the first time) and managed to rub the rest of the shed off within 10 minutes. I was really trying hard to geta perfect first shed is this a common problem? Is it normal for them to try to shed inside their hide?

[KMG]

Yes, that is pretty common.

If all you have is a half log that is not the best hide for a ball or most snakes in general.

Check these out.
http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

I use these and add moss inside. During a shed the moss it kept moist and boost the humidity giving the snake just what it needs for a perfect shed. During non shed periods I allow the moss to dry out before making it moist again.

It is also common for the first few sheds not to go perfect as you are still getting things dialed in and your snake may be adjusting too.

[The Golem]

Wish I'd taken a picture. Last time, the shed was tightly curled up in the exact centre of the hide as if had been placed there. And I was able to unroll it in one complete piece. Funny how happy I got over a snake's basic biological process.



Misting is deceptive; 30 seconds will coat every surface and raise the humidity but it dissipates quickly so I've learned to keep misting for 2-3 minutes at a time. Even though it looks really wet the coconut husk absorbs the water within a few minutes.