Weird shedding

[ineedsoap16]

I have now been through several sheds with my bp and am slightly concerned though not worried. I have two hides in her enclosure one on hot and cool sides and she generally passes back and forth between the two. However, for the last two sheds now she goes blue for a day or so and when she reappears she has pretty new skin. I see no sheds around and have to go looking. These last two have been in the warm side hide in a golfball sized ball. I mean an actual ball. They are complete sheds and she seems normal and hungry afterwards. I have collected both and they seem to stick together almost "pressed" into a wad. As I said I am not worried for she is shedding complete but I have never seen this before in snakes. I am more used to the long ribbon you can measure. But again I am concerned. Any info with be great... thanks

[Wolfus_305]

Hi there,
Pictures always help. What are the temps of both sides and the humidity? do you raise the humidity during a shed cycle? I'm not sure why the shed would be in a pressed ball but hopefully with more information (the questions above) somebody else will be able to give you answers.
Best wishes
Kenny

[Smilts]

Its prob in a ball because its shedding in a small area inside its hide instead of stretching out. My boas and the bp's I used to have did that alot. Also just wanted to add a shed wont give a accurate measurment of the animal.

[Chu'Wuti]

Coy's correct about what's happening, and it isn't a big deal. As long as your BP is shedding completely, you don't have a problem--other than you aren't getting a cool-looking souvenir! ;)

[gonesnakee]

Its more common for the shed to be all bunched up than spread out anyway. If it hasn't dried that way yet hen found you can still pull it & stretch it out to keep. Mark

[mykee]

What Mark said. Ball pythons almost always roll their sheds off them, inside out, nose to tail. Think of a sexy sexy lady rolling a stocking down off her silky, supple thigh. Same deal, but not so hot.

[gonesnakee]

Depends on how one feeels about BPs I guess eh? LOL :rolleyes: ;) Mark

[ineedsoap16]

Thanks

I'm glas it's fine and it is a cool souvenir. The only other snake in the house right now is a full grown corn snake with a lot of terrain so when he sheds you get the long ribbons, that's why I asked. thanks again for the info.

[la613]

my bp is shedding wierd also and idk whats goin on like there re a few pieces totally off of him and still more on him whats that mean

[gonesnakee]

my bp is shedding wierd also and idk whats goin on like there re a few pieces totally off of him and still more on him whats that mean

Means that you do not have high enough humidity present.
A water dish large enough for the snake to soak in, a humid hide & maybe misting during shed sysle will rectify this, Mark

[la613]

now should i mist the snake directly and i also have a water dish large enough for the snake i just bought it not even a week ago maybe its from the pet stores condition idk and i have a smaller water dish right on the heating pad thats under the tank to produce humidity i need to go get one of those humidity thermometers

[gonesnakee]

If its in a tank with a screen lid & light cover up most of the screen with something as well to help hold in the humidity & lights are horrible for "eating up" the moisture as well. Screen lids & lights are the worst setups for maintaining humidity.
You may also want to give it a coule baths. Make sure the water temp is approx 80-85F not too hot or cold & monitor it the whole time its bathing. Mark

[la613]

when should i give it a bath

[gonesnakee]

I would do so right away as it will help it out with the retained shed.
Also keep a close eye out for snake mites (tiny lil black/red bugs - external parasites), hopefully it is not why its shedding in pieces, Mark

[la613]

should i do it in a bath tub or a large tupperware container with a lid

[gonesnakee]

Large rubbermiad yep, Mark

[Will0W783]

Either will work, just make sure the water is shallow enough to come about halfway up the snake's side. So many people just fill up a tub and toss the snake in and cant figure out why it "hates to be soaked." If it can rest on the bottom, it will remain much calmer.

[mykee]

You're a good man Mark, with FAR more patience than I. Your reward will be plenty when the time of reckoning comes Sir...

[gonesnakee]

You're a good man Mark, with FAR more patience than I. Your reward will be plenty when the time of reckoning comes Sir...

LOL ya I figure I must be rating pretty high on the good charma scale by now :p LOL Mark

[siz]

What Mark said. Ball pythons almost always roll their sheds off them, inside out, nose to tail. Think of a sexy sexy lady rolling a stocking down off her silky, supple thigh. Same deal, but not so hot.

Depends on how one feeels about BPs I guess eh? LOL :rolleyes: ;) Mark

HAHAHAHA...golden.

My BP sheds in a 'shedball' every time, no worries!