Watching him shed, as we speak! Question...

Loucifer · 01-22-13, 09:06 AM

Woke up today to discover my BP was shedding his skin! I haven't handled him yet, as he has only ate once for me. He ate IN shed, too! Last Wednesday he took his first f/t from me. My question is, should I go ahead and handle him when he's done to inspect for remaining shed on his tail tip & spur area? No retained eye caps as far as I can see. He only lets me get so close to him before he ducks his head back into the hide. Eyes appear good, tho.
Found his first poo, too! Thanx for responses.

**Aaron_S** · 01-22-13, 09:17 AM

Sure. That would be fine.

Loucifer · 01-22-13, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Sure. That would be fine.

Thanks for replying. One other note, his shed is coming off in big pieces, not just one. I never let his humidity drop below 50-55%, but is usually near 60%. I just had no idea he was in shed, otherwise it would have been bumped to 70%. Completely missed the blues! Learning something new everyday with this lil guy!

SnakeyJay · 01-22-13, 09:43 AM

A bad shed can also be from stress mate... (Stress of moving home)

Loucifer · 01-22-13, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakey-Jay

A bad shed can also be from stress mate... (Stress of moving home)

Yeah, I read something about that. He's new. Gonna look him over and then leave him be for awhile. I suppose he probably won't eat Wednesday night.

Loucifer · 01-22-13, 10:17 AM

Shed is 100%! Had to help him with his tail tip. Stubborn area, huh?! Wow, what a day this has become! Thanks, guys!

**Aaron_S** · 01-22-13, 01:25 PM

It shouldn't be stubborn once you get used to a shed cycle

I'd offer him food on Wednesday. I've said it before, nothing says "adjusting well" like an eating ball python!

Lankyrob · 01-22-13, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loucifer

Thanks for replying. One other note, his shed is coming off in big pieces, not just one. I never let his humidity drop below 50-55%, but is usually near 60%. I just had no idea he was in shed, otherwise it would have been bumped to 70%. Completely missed the blues! Learning something new everyday with this lil guy!

I keep my "normal" humidityMINIMUM 55-60+ and 75+ during shed. When we spray the viv it goes upto 80 or so and then drops over three or four days to just below 60 when we spray again

limey · 01-22-13, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I keep my "normal" humidityMINIMUM 55-60+ and 75+ during shed. When we spray the viv it goes upto 80 or so and then drops over three or four days to just below 60 when we spray again

I also do this.

When I first got mine, I found it hard to tell if he was going into shed or not. As you develop a bit more experience you'll notice the signs... and believe me the signs can be subtle.

As long as he shed okay, pooped and ate then you probably have a healthy snake right there

A good day, I'd say...

Loucifer · 01-24-13, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I keep my "normal" humidityMINIMUM 55-60+ and 75+ during shed. When we spray the viv it goes upto 80 or so and then drops over three or four days to just below 60 when we spray again

Trying this now. Works great, thanks! Cold, dry winter air is annoying. I can't wait until our warm, somewhat humid spring/summer...! \m/

Loucifer · 01-24-13, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limey

I also do this.

When I first got mine, I found it hard to tell if he was going into shed or not. As you develop a bit more experience you'll notice the signs... and believe me the signs can be subtle.

As long as he shed okay, pooped and ate then you probably have a healthy snake right there

A good day, I'd say...

VERY subtle to the novices eye! I'll catch it next time...I hope! XD
New humidity regimen outta help!

Loucifer · 01-24-13, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

It shouldn't be stubborn once you get used to a shed cycle

I'd offer him food on Wednesday. I've said it before, nothing says "adjusting well" like an eating ball python!

And a GREAT eating ball python he is! Took two 19 gram mice last night! One day after his shed, bathroom activities, and first 5 minute handling!
I want to get him switched over to f/t rats soon. Good thing we have an expo this Sunday.

infernalis · 01-24-13, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loucifer

Good thing we have an expo this Sunday.

Lucky you, out here in the sticks we have nothing of the sort without a major road trip.

Loucifer · 01-24-13, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

Lucky you, out here in the sticks we have nothing of the sort without a major road trip.

Believe me, I feel fortunate to have such an expo nearby! Takes a lot of unneeded stress off a new snake owner, feeder availability & $ wise! Shipping on feeders is outrageous!

infernalis · 01-24-13, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loucifer

Believe me, I feel fortunate to have such an expo nearby! Takes a lot of unneeded stress off a new snake owner, feeder availability & $ wise! Shipping on feeders is outrageous!

for a person with one animal, yes it is.

I usually order nearly a thousand mice/rats/chicks at a time, so the shipping evens out (when divided by the number of feeders in the box)

The recent problem with suppliers has tripled the prices on rodents lately, and that bites me in the butt.

I could get pinkies and hoppers for 12 cents each, now the cheapest they get is 35 cents each, so a bag of 100 jumped from 12 dollars to 35 dollars.

order 800 at once, and that is a huge increase.