Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi!
I bought a 5-year-old male captive-hatched (I think), ball-python from its previous owner 2 months back. It shed the second time a few days back. The skin peeled off only in parts(as it happened the first time too), even though I tried misting its cage twice a day(only this time round..the first time I was not in town, my roomie took care of it) starting a few days before the anticipated shedding.
What I am especially concerned about are its eyes..although the eyes are perfectly clear(unlike after its first shed), it still seems to possess what look like a few 'cracks' on it. After the first shed, these cracks were extremely prominent and the eyes were visibly silvery. I am not sure if this is normal and would set itself right if I paid even closer attention to humidity the next time round or if a trip to the vet is called for. There are no remnant scraps of skin anywhere else on its face. It is otherwise healthy and active and accepted 2-medium mice yesterday.
I checked various sources(both books and internet) but none seemed to satisfactorily answer my specific question. I would be obliged if someone could answer this.
Thanks in advance.
Jayanth

If your snake appears healthy, I would leave it alone until the next shed. Sometimes it happens and it will not hurt a healthy Ball Python. There are some things you can do to help aid in better shedding for the future:

* Provide plenty of water (to soak and drink).
* Increase the humidity to a satisfactory level, especially the week prior to shed.
* Ensure your animal is healthy. Poor health may lead to a bad shed.

If you're interested, I use a sweat box method that is safe and never fails to remove unshed skin.
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Jay A. Martin

Hi Mr. Martin,
Thanks for that piece of advice. I am interested in knowing about your 'sweat box' method. Also, you have mentioned that I should leave plenty of water for the python to soak and drink..I just wanted to inform you that I have never been able to get mine to soak(although the bowl is sufficiently big to allow this). It usually drinks soon after eating.
Jayanth

They won't always soak, but you put the bowl there just in case they want to. Some do, some don't. But the drinking water aids in the shed cycle. I'll send you the link to the sweat box method.
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Jay A. Martin

Dear Mr. Martin,
Thanks a lot for giving me the link to your page. I read it. It is something I can easily setup. I shall keep your suggestions in mind the next time round.
Thanks again.
Jayanth