Shedding

[Andy mac]

My carpet python has trouble shedding his skin. I've pulled most of it off but he still has some around his head. What's the best way to remove it and how can I make it easier for him to shed in future?

[Lankyrob]

Sounds like low humidity but that would be strange as in the UK carpets normally shed with no help.

What are you keeping it in and what temps etc are you using?

In terms of getting the shed off, let the snake soak in warm water and then using a damp flannel in youur hand let the snake slither through applying some pressure and thsi should get the old shed off. Try not to pull at the stuck shed as it can damage the scales underneath.

[Chu'Wuti]

Maybe temps are too high, or the enclosure is near a heating vent that dries out the enclosure? I'm just guessing, as Lankyrob is correct that the humidity where you are should be conducive to good shedding.

Be especially careful if the eye caps haven't come off yet. Another trick you can try is to soak a pillowcase or burlap bag in water, wring it out, then put your python inside the bag and tie it in. Leave it for several hours. If you're using a UTH for warmth, on that would be ideal so the python doesn't get chilled. Check in a few hours to see if the stuck shed has come off. You want to be sure the eye caps come off so he can see.

Good luck with it!

[Andy mac]

Thanx for the info. The temp is set at 77' and I use flat news paper as his bedding. He is about 15 yrs old and its only recently that he has had trouble. He also sometimes doesn't want to eat. He strikes but then spits the rat out. After about 3 to 4 attempts he will eventually eat it. I try to feed him a medium rat every 1 to 2 weeks

[Lankyrob]

77f? I take it that is the cool end?

[Chu'Wuti]

From what I've read, carpet pythons need ambient temperatures of 76-80F and a temperature of around 88-92F under the basking lamp or over heat source. Morelia Pythons in NZ provides these temps in C: basking spot of 30-32°C and an ambient temperature of approximately 25°C (this should not be allowed to fall below 23°C).

It sounds like you're maintaining the bare minimum temp; that would definitely contribute to his unwillingness to eat at times, as snakes need somewhat warmer external heat source (the basking spot temps) to aid proper digestion.

Another thing that I've heard can make some snakes refuse food, oddly enough, is if you change suppliers. I haven't had this problem myself, but apparently if the rats don't smell or taste like what he's used to, it could make him reject them. I'm honestly doubtful of this myself, as a snake certainly couldn't be that picky in the wild, but captivity can generate some strange behaviors.

Another issue could be an RI, if 77 deg. is the highest temp he gets. Does he seem to have any other symptoms of not being up to par other than spitting out his food sometimes?

Finally, this could be nothing at all to worry about--some snakes go through periods of not eating. For example, I have one BP that will not eat from Oct/November to late Feb/March (about 4 months). Doesn't matter where I put his enclosure, doesn't matter what his enclosure temps are; he just won't eat for those four months. All the others eat just fine. I finally decided this is just the one guy's norm and let him be. In mid-Feb, I start watching him for hunting behavior and feed him when he shows that behavior. Works like a charm and I don't waste food.

We might be able to help you better if you could answer these questions so we get a complete "picture":

Reptile & Husbandry Info:
Your reptile - Carpet python, 15 years old, male? How long has it been in your care?
Handling - How often do you handle your reptile?
Feeding - Medium rat every 1 to 2 weeks. When was its last feeding? How did that one go?
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use?
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. When did it last defecate? Has this reptile ever been tested for parasites?


Enclosure Info:

Enclosure Type & Size - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
Substrate: What kind of substrate are you using? How often do you replace it or clean the enclosure?
Temperature - What do you use to provide heat? What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?



History - Any previous information about your reptile that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Current Problem -Incomplete shed, refusal to eat or regurgitation--details?

Photo of reptile and enclosure (if at all possible!)