Need some advice, I'm really new to this

[final4kc]

My daughter and I got our baby ball several months ago. Since then I've been an avid care reader, got the cage set up right, Bob was happy, (Bob's a she). Tried to go with frozen, but she wouldn't touch it, so we've been giving her small mice. About 12 days ago she went into a shed. Three days ago she started trying to remove the skin. I don't know if this is her first shed or not, it is since we've had her and it seems she's having problems. The skin is off around her nose, and her belly but still on her face and the top of her body. I've been to the caresheet for sheds, I don't know whether to leave her or help her. I really need some advice - I'm kind of at a loss and don't want to put her in any jeopardy.

[mlededee]

follow the instructions outlined in this thread for removing stuck shed: http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=43403. if it doesn't all come off after doing that it isn't crucial that you get it off as long as it isn't constricting any part of her body, i.e., stuck shed left around the tail will constrict blood flow to the tail as the snake grows, possibly causing the tail to die.

add a humid hide for bob during her next shed and make sure the humidity level is raised to about 80% as soon as you notice her going into shed and any old shed should come off with the new one.

[final4kc]

OK thanks - but the eye caps are still on her, what can I do to at least get those off - or should I give it a couple of days?

[mlededee]

do the soak first and see if you can get them off while she crawls through a damp towel afterward. if that doesn't work you can use a piece of scotch tape to get them off (i would stick it to my finger a few times and pull it off first to make it slightly less sticky). just press it very lightly to each eye and slowly lift off--that should remove the eye caps, or start to lift them off enough that you can just peel them off slowly with your fingers.

[final4kc]

Thanks a lot, I'll give it a try, hate to see her uncomfortable.

[final4kc]

Well, I soaked her - got off most of the shed, she still has some on her head and eyes, I thought I'd give her a break and then perhaps get some tape or see if she gets the rest off.

[mlededee]

sounds like a plan.

[final4kc]

Thank you so much for your advice. Had to use the tape to get the eye caps off, but she was finally still and let me get them. She's a lot happier now that she can see. Going to get her some dinner as she hasn't eaten in two weeks. I can't thank you enough!

[mlededee]

never a problem. that's what we're here for!