Reptile & Amphibian Forums

somebody already gave me an answer that it takes around a week to shed (thx longtang). but is it normal for the snake to be in the hide box the WHOLE time ? he doesn't come out at night anymore ! just want to make sure that he's shedding and not sick.

how many times a day should i mist the inside of the humidity hide box ?

thanks

hi. To anwser your question, I don't think there is anything wrong with your snake. I have eight ball pythons, I know when it is time for them to shed that they are sometimes grouchy and inactive. i also find that unless you try right when they begin to milk they also will not eat until they have completed shedding.
As far as misting the hide box...I'm not sure how often you should mist it, but for my snakes I will fill the tub with some shallow luke warm water and allow them to soak (supervised of course). I find that doing this just once before they shed or if they are having trouble shedding helps things along. As for the amount of time I allow them to soak, I chiefly leave it up to them. when they are finished swimming around and are starting to try to get out of the tub I take them out.
If this isn't for you, you could also just offer them some luke warm water in a large water dish inside of thier cage and then just gently sit them in it. If they don't want a bath they get out.
I love ball pythons and i wish you the best of luck with yours.
-bpg