Shed Problem

[Elvyra's Keeper]

My Ball Python recently shed, and all of the skin is off except for the head. It is very light in color around her nose, but I can't get the skin off. It is making it hard for her to breath. I have soaked her, but she doesn't put her head in the water. How can I get this skin off?

[xdeus]

I like to use the wet pillowcase method. Just get soaking wet pillowcase (warm water), place your snake inside, twist it shut and place the bag in the cage or bin away from direct heat. You can leave it there for up to two hours. The moisture along with the moving around the sack will rub off any stuck skin.

[JoshJP7]

You can use a Q-tip dipped in some warm water and try to keep her still so you can get it off or you can put her in a damp pillow case and let her move around in it... one of the two usually does the trick... if neither works its not that big of a deal and you can just wait till next shed.

[Elvyra's Keeper]

I tried the q-tips already. I'm trying the pillowcase right now.

It sounds like a big deal, it's really affecting her breathing. It's loose on her nose, just not around it. I just can't seam to get it off. It's like going over her nostrils.

[Elvyra's Keeper]

I just finshed pillow case, and I managed to get all of the skin off of her nose as well as her eyes. She is much happeir now, and I'm am currently posting pictures!


Thank you so much.

[dalvers63]

I just finshed pillow case, and I managed to get all of the skin off of her nose as well as her eyes. She is much happeir now, and I'm am currently posting pictures!


Thank you so much.

Good to hear! The pilliowcase method is one I've used for many years. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your baby in new skin!

[Elvyra's Keeper]

I may sound like a dork, but I'm jst so excited that everything is ok, and although she is just a normal, I think she is beautiful. She is my first snake, and this was her first shed.

[JoshJP7]

sounds like you had a decent first shed... wish I could say the same... My first shed came off in like 9million pieces... Damn low humidity!... Congrats on getting the shed off... now just get the humidity up so the next shed comes off in 1 piece... another milestone in BP care

[Elvyra's Keeper]

This shed wasn't perfect, but atleast it all came off.

I will be placing her in her new cage, which the humidity is at about 40-45% right now, but I only have papertowels. Wednessday, or possibly today if I'm lucky, I'll be getting either cypress or mulch. One thing I noticed though, the wet pillow case instantly raised the humidity. I'll remember that next time she sheds if I still need to raise it a lot.