Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering how long it usually takes for a ball python to shed its skin once its apparent that hes ready to do so. My baby ball python has managed to get the skin off its head but it hasn't shed the rest of its body, i have a humid hot spot in there but he doesn't seem interested in going in their, i moved it to where his favorite spot to hide is so hopefully that will encourage him to go in their, i'm guessing my next step will be physically putting him in there and if that doesn't work maybe a trip to the vet but anyway back to the original question, on average how long does it take for a ball python to shed its skin? thanks

If it's apparent that it's a bad shed there are a few ways to help it. I usually get a rubbermaid container or one of the reusable "Glad" or Hefty" rubbermaid type containers that the snake will fit in with some room to move, put about 1/2" of water in the bottom of it (at about 85 - 90 degrees - MEASURE the temp, don't guess), and put either clean rags (t-shirts, or whatever) or paper towels in it until they're soaking wet and just leave a little water in the low spots. Then I rubberband a t-shirt over the top to keep the snake inside it (or you could poke some holes in the lid and put it back on), then place the whole thing in the snakes tub. That way if it escapes it won't be a crisis, and it maintains correct temps. Usually anywhere from a half hour to a couple hours later the snake has shed competely.

You can also do the wet pillowcase method. Someone else here has good instructions for doing that.
-----
Astronomy Picture of the Day

another way is to wet a pillow case with warm water set bp in it and place on warm side of enclosure wait a couple of hours and presto instant shed...100% success rate with all shed problems with this method thus far.
-----
0.1 Leos
1.1 Corn snakes (1 Lav & 1 Ghost)
0.1 Banan California King
0.0.1 Childrens python
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow boa
1.0 Rat (as pet not food)
1.2 Ball pythons (1pastel 2 normals)
"whats with you and all those dang reptiles?"