Reptile & Amphibian Forums

One of my boas has a couple sheds worth of old skin packed up on the very tip of its tail. Dry summer conditions must have been the cause before I got the rack system set up, now they still tear off at the same spot and he doesn't really like me messing with it. Treatment options? Bathing? Neosporin? Tweezers?

Basically, you saturate a pillowcase (or a breathable cloth bag of some sort) with warm water, wring it out lightly, and put snake in. Secure bag and leave snake for a while, not sure exactly how long- I would check after 8 hrs or so. Not only is snake contained in super humid enviornment, but the texture of the bag helps rub off the shed.

Make sure the bag is just damp and not WET. Certain fabrics when wet, can effectively suffocate any living thing inside. I believe things like high tread count pillow cases are the worst.

I

I've got a baby Bolivian that had a retained shed at the tail. I just got it off this Saturday. I soaked her in a tub 3 times for a number of hours each time but that didn't do it. This time I soaked her and rubbed the tail until I got it all off with my hands.

Masking tape is another way to try and get it off. This has worked for me on a number of occasions. Tape the tale to something after she's been soaked and let her slowly pull it out. (Tape it to your arm, or to a table)...

to rub off the retained shed slowly... take your time. it's easy, and your snake will appreciate the less painful approach... good luck!

bc

I'd better wait a couple days. Then I'll try bathing him and gently rubbing it off.