Shed questions

[DavethePython]

I was having an issue with humidity dropping too. I had just a screen top and the moisture would just evaporate out the top. SO I cut a piece of peg board the dimensions of the top and layed the screen under it. I cut out holes big enough for the lamps to sit on top and still radiate heat. My temps are much more stable and when I do put my hand in the tank I can feel the humidity inside. I mist 2 to 3 times per day. Will post pics . I will also me adding a hydrometer to eliminate the guessing game.

[AaronRiot]

I would suggest the bit of bad shed is do to dehydration rather than humidity, or possibly your temps play a role. A snake eases it's shed off with natural oils it produces, if it hasn't had enough to drink it can't produce the oils as well and that tends to be where you run into problems.

As far as the lamps go, I too suggest a switch. I know a few people who use 12x12x18 exos quite efficiently with acrylic or pvc tops and flexwatt. The peg board is a good idea but the humidity will likely saturate it and cause problems in time.

When you move to a larger adult enclosure there are many prefab arboreal enclosure options, or you can always DIY keeping the needs of an arboreal animal in mind while designing the structure. Also, the radiant heat panel + thermostat are definitely the way to go.

As for getting off a small piece of shed on a neo with a delicate spine and little experience with the species... I might try a gentle rub down the back if presented with the opportunity, mid-day. But, as long as it's not a huge piece, the caps, or cutting off circulation I'd leave it be. Risk of a spinal injury outweighs the shed issues. Just my opinion. I'd get a nice long eyedropper that will keep your hand out of strike range and dribble some water on his head/ mouth and make sure he's hydrated.