SHED will not come off

[jennuhkins]

My BP{ Nina } took forever to shed so i kept an eye on her and read some posts that said it was normal for BP's to take awhile. Finally she shed everything but her head. I have been giving her baths, shed aid spray, high-humidity but nothing, and its been about a week now since the shed. i want to just take it off for her but that is probably a bad idea.
http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b534/jennuhkins/photo.jpg
sorry real bad ipod camera but its a reference

[lady_bug87]

Does it go all the way around her head? What are your temps and humidity? Is there anything a little rough for her to rub her head on in her viv?

[jennuhkins]

yes all the way around her head :/. its around 93 at the basking spot but she stays in her hide on the other side 30 galtank most of the time, i have been putting damp moss in her hide to help, and i put some rocks in the tank to help her rub it off but nothing so far...

[moshirimon]

my ball was a problematic shedder too. i just leave her in a container with a towel and shallow warm water for about 15 mins or so. it should help alot.

[jennuhkins]

Yea i would put her in a circular container i usually use for feeding but id put rocks in their and alot of warm water, maybe ill loose the rocks and add a towel and less water :)

[Kavyrie]

I would do the towel and warm water, if any of my bps have a bad shed they get it off within 15-30 minutes.

[jaleely]

you can place her in a damp pillowcase, knot the end, put her somewhere safe, and let her slither around, and she will get moist and it will rub off on it's own. : )

[moshirimon]

you can place her in a damp pillowcase, knot the end, put her somewhere safe, and let her slither around, and she will get moist and it will rub off on it's own. : )

Yes that is a good idea too

[jennuhkins]

never thought of any of this thank you!!

[jaleely]

I have only had to use the pillowcase once (on two snakes at the same time that i adopted from the pound...both had many stuck sheds all over them, including stuck eye-caps, called specticals).
I set them each in a pillowcase, with a rough washcloth to add something else in there they could smush against, in a ten gallon tank. Made sure it was very moist. They can slither, and settle and be dark, and not upset. I put a lid on even though i was sure they couldn't escape the sacks.
The cloth is porus, so they won't suffocate.

Left them there for a while. Don't let them get too cold, though.
Eventually, i did take one out at a time and gently rub them with a wet rough washcloth, and the leftover sheds peeled away.

You can check the shed for the eyecaps to make sure they come off. You'll be able to see them!

[Lankyrob]

Once you have this shed sorted out make sure your husbandry is right for next time :) what humidity do you keep her tank at?

[Gungirl]

Use the pillow case it will work...

I take it you keep your snake in a fish tank? Cover the lid with something( anything) to help keep in humidity. A moist hide is a good thing but proper humidity through out the tank is better.

[mykee]

What Rob said.
Also, there is no such thing as a "bad shedder", that's a cop out from the owner. The reason your snake had a bad shed was because you didn't provide the peoper conditions for a perfect shed. Fix that and you 'll have a good one piece shed every time.

[Bite_Me]

try "shed ease" cheap stuff and works great.

[EmbraceCalamity]

What Rob said.
Also, there is no such thing as a "bad shedder", that's a cop out from the owner. The reason your snake had a bad shed was because you didn't provide the peoper conditions for a perfect shed. Fix that and you 'll have a good one piece shed every time.This. OP was asked what the humidity levels were twice, and I believe she never gave them, which likely means she doesn't know. Get a digital hygrometer and fix the humidity levels.

~Maggot

[jennuhkins]

Sorry right now im in the process of getting new humidity gauges but it last read about 60%

[lady_bug87]

Are they digital? And has the shed come off?

[jarich]

Wouldnt worry about any new gauges Jenn, just get yourself a digital unit. You can find a decent one on Amazon for about $20, which is about the same price you will pay for a piece of junk one from the pet store. I bought this one as its wireless and you can add more units to it for other enclosures if you want. Has worked like a charm ever since I got it about 9 months ago.

Amazon.com: Ambient Weather WS-0101 Wireless Thermo-Hygrometer with Indoor Temperature and Outdoor Temperature and Humidity: Home & Kitchen (http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WS-0101-Thermo-Hygrometer-Temperature/dp/B003OT33HQ/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1352750911&sr=8-15&keywords=ambient+weather+digital+hygrometer)

[EmbraceCalamity]

Wouldnt worry about any new gauges Jenn, just get yourself a digital unit. You can find a decent one on Amazon for about $20, which is about the same price you will pay for a piece of junk one from the pet store. I bought this one as its wireless and you can add more units to it for other enclosures if you want. Has worked like a charm ever since I got it about 9 months ago.

Amazon.com: Ambient Weather WS-0101 Wireless Thermo-Hygrometer with Indoor Temperature and Outdoor Temperature and Humidity: Home & Kitchen (http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WS-0101-Thermo-Hygrometer-Temperature/dp/B003OT33HQ/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1352750911&sr=8-15&keywords=ambient+weather+digital+hygrometer)Ooohhh . I might have to get one of those for my next setup.

~Maggot

[jennuhkins]

Yes its a digital, and its a 30 gal glass terrarium i
Put foil around the back and top to keep some heat in because winter is coming.
The shed on her head is still their. i would wet some moss from petco and moisten it and put it in her hide.i used a moist pillow case, ive tried the damp towel in a water bowl, i use shed aid constantly, i spray her tank daily. Ijust bought a humidifier its comes today hopefully that helps...

[jarich]

You can buy more sensors to go with that base station. I have three enclosures with their own wireless sensors that all send back to the one base station. Its pretty great, quite accurate and Ive had no problem with any of them since I got them. Well worth the money

[EmbraceCalamity]

You can buy more sensors to go with that base station. I have three enclosures with their own wireless sensors that all send back to the one base station. Its pretty great, quite accurate and Ive had no problem with any of them since I got them. Well worth the moneyThis might be a stupid question, but I'm not very electronically savvy, so bear with me. How do you view the different temps/humidity levels on one display? And do you need to buy sensors for it to work?

~Maggot

[jennuhkins]

I have this one but i may buy that one idk if mine is that accurate..

Digital LCD Thermometer / Humidity Meter:Amazon:Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004GN9EH2/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1352751620&sr=8-13&pi=SL75)

[lady_bug87]

Amazon.com: Ambient Weather WS-0101 Wireless Thermo-Hygrometer with Indoor Temperature and Outdoor Temperature and Humidity: Home & Kitchen (http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WS-0101-Thermo-Hygrometer-Temperature/dp/B003OT33HQ/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1352750911&sr=8-15&keywords=ambient+weather+digital+hygrometer)

oooo I like it. I may need to get these for my arboreals

[jennuhkins]

This might be a stupid question, but I'm not very electronically savvy, so bear with me. How do you view the different temps/humidity levels on one display? And do you need to buy sensors for it to work?

~Maggot

Yea im kinda confused about this

[jarich]

There is just a button on the front that switches through each sensor, showing what each one is reading. That white thing is the sensor unit, and each base station comes with one. Then you can choose to buy more sensor units individually if you want.

Jenn, Im guessing you have a screen top on your terrarium. Are you able, or do you know someone who is able, who can cut you a piece of plywood to go in place of that screen top? This will stop your humidity problems. No need to put foil around to keep in the heat, the glass does a much better job than any metal ever will. I suppose that the foil may help the snake feel more secure if you dont have a lot of hides and 'furniture' but that would be its only purpose.

[jennuhkins]

im sure i can get my bf to cut some plywood. but there is questions i have about it.
1.do i cut the exact size of the screen or cage? if so how does air ventilation come in?
2.do i cut out holes for the lights? if so do i leave the screen under so the lights dont fall through?
3. how thick should the plywood be?

[EmbraceCalamity]

There is just a button on the front that switches through each sensor, showing what each one is reading. That white thing is the sensor unit, and each base station comes with one. Then you can choose to buy more sensor units individually if you want.Ooohhhh, okay. Thanks. :)
Jenn, Im guessing you have a screen top on your terrarium. Are you able, or do you know someone who is able, who can cut you a piece of plywood to go in place of that screen top? This will stop your humidity problems. No need to put foil around to keep in the heat, the glass does a much better job than any metal ever will. I suppose that the foil may help the snake feel more secure if you dont have a lot of hides and 'furniture' but that would be its only purpose.Another thing that will work is putting tape over the screen. That's what I did for my croc gecko, and it works like a charm.

~Maggot

[jennuhkins]

Ooohhhh, okay. Thanks. :)
Another thing that will work is putting tape over the screen. That's what I did for my croc gecko, and it works like a charm.

~Maggot

i will never put tape near my snakes ever again.. its just brings back bad memories..

[EmbraceCalamity]

i will never put tape near my snakes ever again.. its just brings back bad memories..I don't think you'd have to worry about your snake getting to the top and sticking his tail through the screen lid unless it's a climber with plenty of access to the screen. So that depends on how your tank is set up.

~Maggot

[jarich]

im sure i can get my bf to cut some plywood. but there is questions i have about it.
1.do i cut the exact size of the screen or cage? if so how does air ventilation come in?
2.do i cut out holes for the lights? if so do i leave the screen under so the lights dont fall through?
3. how thick should the plywood be?

1. Yes, cut it the same as your cage top, then you can use the same metal clips you probably have now to hold it in place. I put one vent in my lids. You can do it very simply by just drilling an inch and half hole and stapling a piece of screen in place over the top of it (that thick metal type, not the stuff you use in windows), or you can use those fancy plastic vents you get at the hardware store that you can open and close when you want.

2. I dont think you need the lights at all, especially with a ball python. If you have a heat source (UTH, RHP, etc) then there isnt any need for a light, and it will just dry out your enclosure anyway.

3. It doesnt really matter, though I use half inch usually. Basically you are just cheaply creating a solid lid that humidity cant escape through and that insulates the top a little better. (thats why foil, plastic wrap, etc arent the best fix since they dont really insulate very well.) Right now all your heat and humidity is rising straight out the top.

[SnakeyJay]

I don't think you'd have to worry about your snake getting to the top and sticking his tail through the screen lid unless it's a climber with plenty of access to the screen. So that depends on how your tank is set up.

~Maggot

Just not worth the risk to be fair... Maybe clingfilm the top or better yet, swap it for a cheap rub :)

[jennuhkins]

no lighting, that is so strange for me, i have a heating pad. but those are so un-reliable i never leave it there long because i dont want her to get burned

[jennuhkins]

I don't think you'd have to worry about your snake getting to the top and sticking his tail through the screen lid unless it's a climber with plenty of access to the screen. So that depends on how your tank is set up.

~Maggot

Nina likes to press on the top after i put her back in her cage from holding her.

[Lankyrob]

no lighting, that is so strange for me, i have a heating pad. but those are so un-reliable i never leave it there long because i dont want her to get burned

Use. Thermostat and you have no issues :)

[jennuhkins]

Just not worth the risk to be fair... Maybe clingfilm the top or better yet, swap it for a cheap rub :)

I dont know what clingfilm or cheap rub is ...explain?

[jennuhkins]

Use. Thermostat and you have no issues :)

alright, but is their any other way to heat besides the heating pads and lights?

[SnakeyJay]

A rub is a plastic tub that you can keep snakes in.. They're sealed at the top and you still air holes on the side. ( not in the top or more humidity is lost..) clingfilm is what you call seranwrap? I don't know how Americans spell it :)

[jarich]

He means plastic wrap (clingfilm) and that was a typo, he meant to say tub. But again, that wont really change anything and since you already have a tank, then changing the top is the easiest and best thing to do.

As for the lights, remember these are mostly nocturnal animals. If you provide a heat source independent of light, they will actually be able to use it both day and night. Like Rob said, a thermostat takes away the risk you are worried about with your UTH.

[jennuhkins]

1. Yes, cut it the same as your cage top, then you can use the same metal clips you probably have now to hold it in place. I put one vent in my lids. You can do it very simply by just drilling an inch and half hole and stapling a piece of screen in place over the top of it (that thick metal type, not the stuff you use in windows), or you can use those fancy plastic vents you get at the hardware store that you can open and close when you want.

2. I dont think you need the lights at all, especially with a ball python. If you have a heat source (UTH, RHP, etc) then there isnt any need for a light, and it will just dry out your enclosure anyway.

3. It doesnt really matter, though I use half inch usually. Basically you are just cheaply creating a solid lid that humidity cant escape through and that insulates the top a little better. (thats why foil, plastic wrap, etc arent the best fix since they dont really insulate very well.) Right now all your heat and humidity is rising straight out the top.

thank you ill do this my next pay check.
(UTH, RHP, etc) i just dont know what this means and how to get it

[SnakeyJay]

alright, but is their any other way to heat besides the heating pads and lights?

Sure... Heat cable, ceramics (needs a viv set up)..rhp ( radiant heat panels, needs a viv set up).. :)

[Lankyrob]

RUB = Really Useful Box :)

[jennuhkins]

is their a certain thermostat i should get rob? i don't want to get a cheap one and have to buy another .

[jarich]

AH, my bad! It wasnt a typo! Ha!

Radiant heat panels are great, though a little pricey. They attach to the top of the tank/enclosure. I guess Im not sure why you are worried about the under tank heater? Is that what you mean when you say heat pad? The UTH (under tank heater) are pretty cheap and for the most part quite reliable. Its always best to have a thermostat on just in case, but admittedly I havent had one go bad on me in years and years.

[jennuhkins]

AH, my bad! It wasnt a typo! Ha!

Radiant heat panels are great, though a little pricey. They attach to the top of the tank/enclosure. I guess Im not sure why you are worried about the under tank heater? Is that what you mean when you say heat pad? The UTH (under tank heater) are pretty cheap and for the most part quite reliable. Its always best to have a thermostat on just in case, but admittedly I havent had one go bad on me in years and years.

yea the under tank heater, i have one but i hear a lot of bad comments about it burning the snake. also the heated rocks get bad reps to.

[jarich]

Heated rocks, yes those can be pretty terrible. An under tank heater shouldnt be getting a bad rap though. They are perfectly safe when used with a thermostat, and will not ever burn your snake. No need to worry at all when you have the thermostat on them.

[jennuhkins]

ok i trust u guys i have a small uth maybe ill get a medium or large one and get the plywood :)

[lady_bug87]

Just make sure it's not so big that you can't achieve the proper temperature gradient

[jennuhkins]

my temps in my house are in the 60's and its going keep going down this winter. .
i dont really like running the heater so im trying to do the best i can to reserve heat for them.
my corn snakes are in a 40 gal/ split aquarium which doesn't keep much heat in as my 30 gal terrarium for my bp. Maybe ill do the plywood and uth for my corns to, unless they need light?

[jarich]

I would do the plywood and UTH for both if you want them to remain active during the winter months. Again, I would say the light isnt a big deal as Im sure they get some light from your windows anyway. Are we talking a basement room here or a normal above ground room?

[jennuhkins]

yea their in my bedroom, but my bf doesn't like light coming in so he blocks of the window a lot .

[Gungirl]

They will be fine as long as night and day looks different in the room. I worked nights for a long time and my snakes where in my bedroom. My shades where shut 95% of the time and my snakes are perfectly fine and I never used lights.

[OSMDEATHOWNER]

jus take the shed off by hand, handle the snake with wet paper towel and soak, sorry i didnt say this a long time ago but i once took off a full shed this way, and it wont hurt your snake if the shed is moist and ready