Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My new BP, about 6 months old, seems to be ready to shed and I have a few questions as it’s the first time I have experienced such an occurrence. Please provide whatever feedback possible.

Questions:
-How long does the process take?
-How does shedding affect the feeding schedule, i.e. don’t feed days before or after a shed?
-Is there anything I can do to assist in a good shed?
-Should the “night and day” temperature cycle be adjusted? (nothing directly to do with shed but thought I would ask anyway!)

BP Appearance:
-Eyes are an opaque blue and skin is markedly duller than normal. Otherwise, snake is very active. Snake will use whole tank.

Conditions:
-20-gallon long glass tank, under tank heater, ceramic overhead heat on same side as under tank heater.
-Temps average 88-92 warm side and 80 degrees cool side during the day (7am – 12pm). May drop 8-10 degrees overnight.
-Humidity levels typically 50-60% with mist done at least once a day to increase humidity.
-Two water dishes (one doubles as a warm side hide)
-Three hides (warm side, cool side, and center)
-Few rocks with somewhat rigid edges on some parts
-Have a screen top with Plexiglas covering 75% of cage
-Strip light on 10 hours a day
-Substrate is Eco Earth coconut fiber
-Big branch and flexible “vine” used to create climbing area.

Thanks

If everyone paid as much attention to detail as you do, they would never have any problems. Your set-up is perfect. The shed should be perfect. Don't feed during shed. After shed is open season.

Your doing great! Have fun!

MJ
-----
www.ballpython.ca

Thanks! I will post of pic of "Sammy" soon.

AH

Questions:
-How long does the process take?
-How does shedding affect the feeding schedule, i.e. don’t feed days before or after a shed?
-Is there anything I can do to assist in a good shed?
-Should the “night and day” temperature cycle be adjusted? (nothing directly to do with shed but thought I would ask anyway!)

-Shed can take from 7-10 days.
-Some people don't feed during shed, others do, your call. I don't since I believe that it stresses my snake, but if yours feeds during shed then it may not be too stressed. Mine actively avoids food during shed when food is offered, so I don't feed during sheds.
-Keep the humidity up during shed 70-80% is ok. Mine stays about 70-78% during shed. If you need to mist, then do so.
-I don't worry about the night and day temperature cycle. Keep your temps and humidity in proper range and all should go well.