Two Questions!

[Whittney32]

So it looks like Slinky is about to shed for the first time (with me anyway) and I need some advice! I know I need to bump up the humidity.. 60-70% right?

First, my aquarium has a locking lid with a mesh screen that probably needs to be covered. What could I cover it with to keep moisture and heat in?

And... do you think it might be a good idea to put a covered bowl for him to soak in? If so maybe an example (like a shallow cool whip bowl or something?) He hasn't been in his water dish but I was just trying to think ahead. :-)

Thanks in advance!

[JLC]

Soaking prior to a shed can actually make it harder for a clean shed. Not to mention the slight (but real) risk of drowning in an enclosed dish, even if there is a small exit cut into the top. There's really no need for it.

If you simply can't maintain a high enough ambient humidity, you can offer a humid hide...which is similar to what you've already suggested, but instead of filling it with water, you place some damp paper towels in there and put it on the warm side of the tank.

You can cover the lid with lots of things...just make sure you leave some open space for adequate air exchange...and make sure there's no tape on the INside of the lid that the snake could come in contact with. When I had a mesh lid, I used clear contact paper and that worked very well. I cut a few inches off of each corner for air flow. The sticky part of it stuck well enough to hold it in place against the screen, but it came off easily without leaving any sticky residue.

Other people use towels or aluminum foil or seran wrap.

[tmartin2347]

try to get it best around 70-75%. you should get a nice once piece shed with that.
as for covering the mesh screen you can dampen a towl and cover 3/4 of the screen and that should raise your humidity quite nicely.
the water bowl you have in his cage should be fine for him.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Healthy BP rarely soak, all you have to do is provide proper humidity 50%-60% at all time which can be bumped to 70% during shedding (this of course mean having an accurate reading with a digital hygrometer)

This thread should answer your question about how to properly maintain a glass tank http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...004#post569004

[Whittney32]

Thanks for the fast response!

If I did choose to go the humid hide route.. do you think it would be ok to take out his regular hide? I don't think there would be enough room. Or would that make him uncomfortable. Its a 20L tank, but I guess the hides are a little big.

EDIT: I do have a digital thermometer/hygrometer

[JLC]

Thanks for the fast response!

If I did choose to go the humid hide route.. do you think it would be ok to take out his regular hide? I don't think there would be enough room. Or would that make him uncomfortable. Its a 20L tank, but I guess the hides are a little big.

It's up to you, what you want to try. Some snakes might get nervous about it. Some wouldn't care. Some will thumb their noses at a humid hide, no matter how dry the environement is. Ya just gotta try it to see. What you CAN do, if you want, is simply turn the current hide into a humid hide by tucking some damp paper towels under it.

[Whittney32]

Ill probably try that then JLC.

One more question while I have your attention if you don't mind!

It appears that Slinky is getting dull.. his eyes don't look completely clouded yet, just a little. Should I stop handling him now or when his eyes are completely cloudy? I got him out today to inspect him because I haven't handled him for 2 days (fed him Tuesday). Just wondering! Of course I wanna be the best mommy possible!

[JLC]

I just leave mine alone throughout their shed cycle, if I'm aware they're having it. (Sometimes I'll pick one up and THEN notice she's in shed or something) Mostly though, I think they really prefer to just be left alone as much as possible during this time. It's a vulnerable and probably somewhat uncomfortable thing to go through.

[Whittney32]

Yea thats what I did. I picked him up and saw his eyes looked a little different. Thanks for all the info!

[Whittney32]

Update!!!

Thanks for everyones help on my humidity issue! I checked on slinky yesterday, pulled out his 'warm' hide and found a complete shed skin!!! And of course... a nice shiny snake on the cool side!

Thanks for the help!