i use the bucket with a small amount of water in it (so they can easily have their head outside the water) and i put their plastic plants in with them, so they have something to rub against. i place the bucket on a heating pad and leave them for 30 minutes - take them out in a towel and let them move thru the towel... check for any retained shed and if so... i put them back into the bucket for another half an hour.