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Ball Python - Retained Shed

Posted By:

Gaffey789

In Relation To:

Fireball

My Ball Python has a shedding problem. It takes him so long to shed that when he is done with one shed he has alreay started another shed so really he is always shedding. I tried shedding medicine that i spray on him but that didn't work. Also he has had this problem for a couple years. What should i do?


Points:	250
Topics:	Skin , General Health
Tags:	Regius, Shedding
Species:	Pythons > Pythons > Python regius
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Member Comment

4/14/2009 6:18:22 PM

Hannebuddika

Forget shedding meds it's a waste of money in my opinion. Make sure the humidity is maintained in the tank. You can help this with large water bowls as well as other methods to trap humidity in the tank. Our balls like to soak in their water bowls. So iif your water bowl is not large enough for that you can try that. Another idea is, if you don't already have something like this, is to add a piece of wood or rock that has a rough texture to it. Something he can rub on to help break the skin when he's reaady to shed. If this still doesn't help you out , you can always soak him in some warm water and shed assist. Youtube may have some videos that can show you how it's done.

Member Comment

4/14/2009 6:22:23 PM

xanaxez

What do you have it housed in? what are the temps you keep it at and what do you keep the humidity at? i would think by that long of sheds you have very low humidity. i usually keep my humidity between 50 to 60 and i bump it up to around 70 to 80 at shedding time. you could also try misting it a couple of times a day. i do not have alot of expereince with ball pythons but from what i have read from sites and other members that have is that theres not much a difference between them and carpet pythons husbandry.

Member Comment

4/14/2009 7:51:17 PM

glendtcocaine

Is your snake drinking? When I see my snakes turn opaque, I dump their waterbowls in their cage,so the humidity comes up, I fill their water bowl with part water and part gatorade just to make sure they are hydrated enough with the proper stuff. If you think its not enough, then you could soak the snake for at least an hour, not just a quick dip, ( that will make his skin dryer), but a good long soak in warm water never hurts.

Also like Hannebuddika said, put something in there to help rub off the skin, a stick, a rock, a cardboard box, anything thats rough will totally help. Try all these things and I promise that he will have a successful shed. If it does not work, then I would make sure that the snake is NOT dehydrated, and put just gatorade in its dish for a week, lots of soaks etc..

I hope these things help you..

Accepted Answer

4/15/2009 4:15:36 PM

dalvers63

Fix the humidity in your cage and you won't have a retained shed problem. Keep in mind that the whole shedding process, once they start taking the skin off, only takes about an hour at most. Any time after that, you have a retained shed.

To solve the immediate problem, you can put your snake in a plastic shoebox or sweater box with a wet washcloth or towel inside. Put the lid on and leave him for 30 min to an hour. At the end of the time, most of the shed will either be gone, or you can gently rub him with the towel to take it off.

If your snake is in an aquarium, you will most likely need to cover at least half if not three quarters of the top to keep in humidity. You want a humidity level of 55-65% on average with a bump up to 70% or so during the shed cycle. If you have a screen top for the cage, take some aluminum foil and use it to cover most of the top. Get a water bowl with a bigger mouth and put it on the warm side of the cage. Doing this will help get your humidity up and your snake will most likely have a great shed next time.

Member Comment

4/17/2009 11:13:37 PM

Morticias Mojo

I am by no means an expert, but having recently obtained my first Ball Python and feeling like a neurotic first-time mom, I observed Mojo all the time and asked many questions. When his behavior was found to be the pre-shedding time, I was told to make sure the humidity was higher -- at least 60% and more. I had the hardest time trying to reach that, so in between soaking in the bathtub with about an inch of warm water for 20-30 mins, misting him and the cage twice a day, and adding a snake friendly plant ... I took a regular hand towel and wet it with warm water, and laid it on top of the screen ... over 3/4ths of it. This brought the humidity up. I was also told to not offer him any meals during this time as it would add stress (or could) to him, so I skipped a week. I also put a plastic bowl propped up over his water dish so he would feel more safe hanging out there.

He had a wonderful shed and I feel much better in keeping the humidity up. I thought all that answered were very good and I wish you great success in getting the problem solved.

Member Comment

4/19/2009 6:59:24 PM

TigerLilly

At this time, my snakes (that aren't in quarantine) are kept in my master bathroom (moved a little while back & it was the only space for them). They will have their own room soon, but I'm kind of dreading moving them & having to deal with the whole humidity issue. The bathroom is a great place to keep them BECAUSE of the humidity. I would say that if you are having problems controlling the humidity where the snake's cage is now, try keeping it in the bathroom, at least during shedding, to see if that helps. The soaking is also worthwile; I try to do that with mine while their bins are being cleaned out. Humidity & hydration are the keys to a good shed, imo.

Member Comment

5/11/2009 6:42:21 PM

Jason79

First you need to get a hygrometer so you can check your humidity. Then raise the humidity up between 50% to 70% and I bet his next shed go's well.

Member Comment

10/25/2009 9:32:33 PM

zachrfields

Increase humidity , if this problem persists soak it.

Member Comment

1/17/2011 3:39:15 PM

abi21491

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