I've also had luck using a good soak. I'm no ball expert, but soaking worked for me. For more info, I recommend searching on "shed" at this page:
www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide/

Here's a soak procedure to try if the damp pillowcase doesn't work:

(1) Find a shallow plastic container with a lid (Tupperware or Rubbermaid, for example).

(2) Fill container with luke warm water (70-75 degrees F) up to a depth that is equal to half your snake's largest diameter. If your snake is about two inches in diameter, that would be one inch of water.

(3) Place snake inside container.

(4) Place and secure lid on container, making sure the snake can still get air. In my experience, I did not snap the lid on, but had it slightly askew. You can use rubber bands or something to hold it on. Use your imagination here.

(5) Place snake and the container in the snake's enclosure to maintain temperature.

(6) Wait 45 minutes.

(7) Remove snake from container.

(8) Try your Q-tip method again. If the stuck pieces still won't come off, then wait another 24 hours.

Sometimes the pieces just come off after a little more time. I've also read that it's okay to wait until the next shed cycle, but I guess that depends on how stressed your snake is due to having obstructed vision.

Good luck!
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Seren
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"The universe is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering." (Chinese proverb)
Stormwraith Sidelines (blog including occasional tales about my ball python, Ella)

[ Hide Replies ]

• shedding problem - povmichael123, Sun Oct 28 16:20:52 2007
• RE: shedding problem - FireStorm, Sun Oct 28 16:37:24 2007
• RE: shedding problem - seren, Sun Oct 28 19:46:24 2007
• RE: shedding problem - royalkreationz, Sun Oct 28 23:01:39 2007
• This worked for me... - MannyRottie, Mon Oct 29 11:39:05 2007