Reticulated Python shedding problems

KyleKennedy · 06-01-15, 11:23 AM

Earlier today, I noticed my retic was in the process of shedding but having a little difficulty starting the shed. He was able to get the skin on his head off, but couldn't get the rest. So I took him out, placed him in a bin with warm water and some zilla shed-ease formula. Left him in there for 20 minutes, took him out and attempted to remove the old skin myself. But I could not get anything off. He usually has problems shedding, but I am able to assist him everytime, but not this time. The skin will not come off no matter how much I try to peel it off. I'm thinking I made the rookie mistake by trying to aid him in his shedding too early. He is back in his tank now, but isn't attempting to get the skin off. What should I do? Should I feed him today regardless if his dead skin isn't all off?

Pirarucu · 06-01-15, 11:48 AM

How is he set up? Do you have any pictures of his cage?

KyleKennedy · 06-01-15, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirarucu

How is he set up? Do you have any pictures of his cage?

I do not have any pics at the moment, but I can post some later. He is in a 30 gallon tank with a screen top and 2 heat lamps. I have aluminum tape around the entire lid and around the 2 heat lamps, but keeping humidity up is still a problem. He has problems every time, but like I said I am able to assist him when he is having troubles. I cleaned out his cage last night. He was on aspen bedding, but now there is nothing except for a beach towel. I will be buying more bedding soon. High side is around 98 degrees and low side is around 85.

KyleKennedy · 06-01-15, 02:27 PM

I placed a brick in his cage so he has something to rub against, but he doesn't seem interested.

Sublimeballs · 06-01-15, 02:34 PM

First your temps are waaayyyy to high. Youre aiming for around 78cold side and 88-90 hot side. He's having shedding issues because the humidity is too low. Around 60% constant humidity is what youre looking for. Is the screen completly sealed up? Grab a pic of the set up for us to better help you.

KyleKennedy · 06-01-15, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sublimeballs

First your temps are waaayyyy to high. Youre aiming for around 78cold side and 88-90 hot side. He's having shedding issues because the humidity is too low. Around 60% constant humidity is what youre looking for. Is the screen completly sealed up? Grab a pic of the set up for us to better help you.

What can I do to help get his dead skin off? I will post pics later, since my phone is completely dead right now. I would like to know if there is anything I can do to remove the skin. Soaking didn't help. Also, since the skin on his head and eyes is off atleast, can I still attempt to feed him?

**Aaron_S** · 06-01-15, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleKennedy

What can I do to help get his dead skin off? I will post pics later, since my phone is completely dead right now. I would like to know if there is anything I can do to remove the skin. Soaking didn't help. Also, since the skin on his head and eyes is off atleast, can I still attempt to feed him?

1. Wait to feed him. He won't starve.

2. You can use a wet/damp facecloth if the snake is small enough. Place the cloth in your hand and have the snake move through your hand as if you're handling the snake as normal just hold a little tighter and hopefully that should help get it off.

Honestly, snakes are made to shed. Your husbandry has to be off if you're getting bad sheds everytime. I recommend dumping a full water dish worth of water into the enclosure when you notice the snake is in blue.

KyleKennedy · 06-01-15, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

1. Wait to feed him. He won't starve.

2. You can use a wet/damp facecloth if the snake is small enough. Place the cloth in your hand and have the snake move through your hand as if you're handling the snake as normal just hold a little tighter and hopefully that should help get it off.

Honestly, snakes are made to shed. Your husbandry has to be off if you're getting bad sheds everytime. I recommend dumping a full water dish worth of water into the enclosure when you notice the snake is in blue.

He's about 5 feet long now. A washcloth won't work. I was thinking locking him up in a pillow case soaked with warm water. I am going to do that now and see if that helps.

KyleKennedy · 06-01-15, 02:56 PM

I know my husbandry is off. It's difficult to maintain humidity in a glass 30 gallon tank that holds a 5 foot python. I cannot fit a large water bowl in there. It is only temporary though until I build a bigger and better cage.

**Aaron_S** · 06-01-15, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleKennedy

He's about 5 feet long now. A washcloth won't work. I was thinking locking him up in a pillow case soaked with warm water. I am going to do that now and see if that helps.

Use a hand towel then. You can figure this out I'm sure. Pillowcase also may work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleKennedy

I know my husbandry is off. It's difficult to maintain humidity in a glass 30 gallon tank that holds a 5 foot python. I cannot fit a large water bowl in there. It is only temporary though until I build a bigger and better cage.

So dump a bucket of water in. A bowl. Whatever container you like. A few days in a high humid environment won't harm the snake. Just do a full clean after the snake sheds.

David VB · 06-02-15, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleKennedy

I know my husbandry is off. It's difficult to maintain humidity in a glass 30 gallon tank that holds a 5 foot python. I cannot fit a large water bowl in there. It is only temporary though until I build a bigger and better cage.

Sorry to say this mate, but building the right enclosure for your animal is something you do in advance of needing it...

Sublimeballs · 06-02-15, 04:57 AM

You need to get it an appropriate cage now not eventually. Arnt you the one that traded the tiger for a normal? Was this how you kept the tiger also? Go get a large (ie 72qt) tub from Walmart a heat pad and a thermostat until you build the cage. There's no reason to continue letting the have issues when you know what the problem is.

KyleKennedy · 06-02-15, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sublimeballs

You need to get it an appropriate cage now not eventually. Arnt you the one that traded the tiger for a normal? Was this how you kept the tiger also? Go get a large (ie 72qt) tub from Walmart a heat pad and a thermostat until you build the cage. There's no reason to continue letting the have issues when you know what the problem is.

Yes, he's in the same tank the tiger was in but the tiger never had problems shedding. I'm going to today to menards to get some material to build a cage.

KyleKennedy · 06-02-15, 12:40 PM

He got most of the skin off overnight. This morning I went to remove the remainder of the skin and he got a pretty good bite in on my arm. Guess I'll just leave him alone in the meantime.

Princess-dad · 06-07-15, 01:32 PM

I have no problem keeping humidity up in a Critter Cage . All glass screen lid . Attach some lexan to the screen leave very little open air gap , buy a mister ,use it daily . Coco does a real good job holding moisture with out molding . I got the gauge wet misting so its not ready right . Experience with this enclosure lets me be pretty sure its actually around 60% humidity . The corn is in shed .