shedding question

[knoerr3232]

I have a ball python that is going through his first shed (since I have had him) and he didnt shed in all one piece. Could this mean that my humidity is too low?...its around 50 -60%. I soaked him a warm water bath and misted him, the skin is coming off, but in pieces. His eyes are clear and his whole face is done but there are skin chunks on his back....Should I concern myself with this?

[Vengeance]

If this is his first shed with you it possible the store/person that had him before you didn't give him the proper hummidity requirments. To get rid of the shed one thing that has worked for me is to take a damp towel and put it in a rubbermaid with your Ball and then place the rubbermaid back int he cage and leave him in it overnight. By morning you should have a clean snake and a dirty towel. Just make sure that your hummidity stays between 50 - 60% till next shed and you may want to raise the hummidity to 80% when he enters shed just to make sure that he has a good shed second time around.

[knoerr3232]

Will do....sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the help.

[sapphire_moon]

one a negative note, when I did this to my bp's it stressed them to the point of not eating for a LONG time.

You might want to try giving your snake a humid hide as well.....

goodluck! :)

[knoerr3232]

I raised the humidity and I have been misting the cage more...the chunks have come off his back but there are a couple small ones on his neck. What exactly are the concerns for a snake who sheds in pieces (besides low humidity)...is it dangerous to not shed in one piece? Or is it just a sign that the atmosphere isnt adequate?

[nita]

If the retained sheds are left on they can cut off circulation to that area, snakes have lost the ends of their tails due to retained sheds. Skin is porous and it has to be able to breath, with multiple sheds built up that area won't get air circulation and they could lose the scales there.