Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, I have a ball python and he won't shed! you can tell he's about to, since he has the dull skin coloration and it's starting to flake a little on his stomach, but he won't shed it off. We've waited for about a month, but still no skin. is this natural or should I take him to a vet? He's a male, nearly full grown. Any info would be great!

What's the humidity like in his enclosure?

Does he have anything to rub on and get the shed going? like a branch,etc.

What is the humidity in the tank. How long since his eyes cleared?
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"

1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
"Gimli"

1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
"Indigo"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Since it has been a month, I'm more inclined to believe that this is illness related. Usually, not shedding is directly related to humidity but not always.

Is everything else ok? Is he eating well and drinking sufficient quantities of water? Active? Not shedding could be a sign of illness; if a snake is sick and dehydrated, it will not produce the necessary moisture to lift off the top later of skin. I'm sure you've noticed the flood of fluid that appears under the shed skin, right?

I would give the snake a warm water soak...or put him in a moist pillow case or plastic box with moist paper towels (depending on the size of the snake) and see if that helps.

However, the first thing I would do is check for dehydration. Give the skin a gentle pinch behind the head and if it stays in the pinched position, your snake needs to go to the vet as soon as possible.

Dehydration could be a symptom of something else or the cause of death, as I'm sure you know.