Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since this is my first snake, it's normal to ask a crap ton of questions right? lol

So Oliver was in the beginning stages of shedding when I first got him (just over 2 weeks ago) The eyes got blue, his skin got dull, etc etc. So today when I checked on him, he had peices of skin all over his tank... and he was out and about exploring and climbing all over his tank. His skin has gotten crazy bright and he seems happier. I did keep his tank really moist and even bathed him twice in some reptile shedding stuff, Dunno if it helped or not.

Question one is, is he done shedding? His belly is still a bit pink, and he has some pieces of skin just barely stuck on, I thought the skin came off all together?

Question two is, When should I feed him? He ate like a week and a half ago, a larger mouse, but when should I feed him again? I got another larger mouse and i'm keeping it in a separate container (ew) until he's ready, but I don't wanna keep this stupid thing forever!

Question three is, when should I go ahead and clean out his tank? I don't want to stress him out by messing with his hang out, but there's skin everywhere! It's kinda gross lookin!

Thanks so much!!!
Teri

Teri:

It is normal for first time snake owners to ask a bunch of questions. This is a great place to find answers to those questions.

Answer to question #1: No he is not through shedding. If you read down a few threads you will read about the pillow case technique. This technique should work perfect for your snake. You can also spray your snake down pretty heavily with tap water and peel the snakes skin off by hand.

Answer to question #2: Most ball pythons will not eat right after their shed. I would wait about a week or so before you try feeding him again. He will probably take the mouse real quick.

Anser to Question #3: I would clean his cage completely while he's crawling around in the wet bag.

Feel free to e-mail me through my web site or call my cell at (408)981-6694 with any questions you have.

Good luck with your snake.

Brian

PS. Have fun with him don't worry about stressing him out. Ball Pyhtons are more hardy than most people think.
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Brian Gundy

www.for-goodness-snakes.com

>Question one is, is he done shedding? His belly is still a bit pink, and he has some pieces of skin just barely stuck on, I thought the skin came off all together?

It should come off in one pretty, entire piece, so since he shed in lots of little pieces that tells you the humidity wasn't right. Next time (or even starting now), your best bet is to cover the top of the cage with plexiglass or a towel as much as possible. That'll keep the warm, moist air in there better and do a lot of good combined with regular misting.
His belly shouldn't be pink anymore, though.

>>Question two is, When should I feed him? He ate like a week and a half ago, a larger mouse, but when should I feed him again? I got another larger mouse and i'm keeping it in a separate container (ew) until he's ready, but I don't wanna keep this stupid thing forever!

If his eyes are clear, offer it to him now. My snakes will usually take prey as soon as they've shed - sometimes just ten minutes after finishing. If he doesn't eat, oh well, just offer the mouse again in a week.

>>Question three is, when should I go ahead and clean out his tank? I don't want to stress him out by messing with his hang out, but there's skin everywhere! It's kinda gross lookin!

Do it now! Or, after you feed him. Or, wait for him to digest for a day or two and then put him in the damp pillowcase mentioned in the previous reply, and clean it then. It's not too big a deal to clean up the shed skin out of the cage.

Hope that helps!

~jenny
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"Polysyllabism in no way insures that what you're saying is actually worth being heard." - Blake (an e-friend of mine)

"I have never made but one prayer to god, a very short one: "O lord, make my enemies ridiculous." And he granted it." - Voltaire

I would say try feeding now. Some of my snakes will eat right after, some need some time, and some will even eat when completely blue! Like Brian said, these are quite hardy animals, so get to know it. Try different things and find out what Oliver prefers.

As for the shed, I agree with Brian and Jenny.....do the pillow case trick, and take the opportunity to clean up a little. Keep in mind, the skin looks gross, but dries quickly, and won't really compromise the cleanliness if left for a couple days. Again, find out what Oliver prefers, and go from there. Learn from the vast knowledge provided here, but also let Oliver teach you. When he tells you something, listen carefully. He knows better than all of us!
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James.....
"I never fail. I don't believe in it. I just succeed at finding what doesn't work."