Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Bad sheds will eventually happen to every keeper. If it only happens once in a while, it’s not really a problem. It’s when it becomes consistent that you have to start looking at why it’s happening. I won’t get into why Ball Pythons have bad sheds. I’ll just tell you what has worked for me in the past 100% of the time. First my supplies:

·28qt Rubbermaid container w/lid
·Pillow case
·Heat source (I use heat tape) – watch the temps!

Place one end of the container over the heat tape. Wet the pillow and wring it out very well. You do not want it to be dripping. Place your snake into the pillowcase and secure the opening. Place the pillowcase (along with the snake) into the container and put the lid on. The heat and humidity will help loosen the skin, while the movement of the snake in the pillowcase will help get it off. I have had all shed skin removed within 2 hours, 100% of the time.

I hope you found this tip useful. Do you have any husbandry tips? I’d love to hear.
-----
Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

I've been placing a small damp towel with a rock (the flat porous type)on top of it, in the corner of the cage by the hide. I do this the day after the snakes eyes clear and the shed is going to happen.

They rub on the rock and the damp towel, and this really seems to help the skin come off. If you think about it, in a rack/tub setup, there is really no rough surface for the snake to rub on.

Also, when a retained eye cap is present, I apply some KY gel to the eye right before the shed takes place.

Alan

np

thanks! I'll use that one...

Justin

This past week, I had my first experience with a bad shed...it came of in pieces and wasn't working at all. I read before how you used the damp pillow case, so I gave it a try...it worked great! Thanks.
Jeremy
-----
Isn't it cooler that serpent's don't walk anymore?
(Genesis 3:14)

I have one right now that had 2 bad sheds, darn hatchling. The first bad shed all she did was get the head part off and the whole body was still old skin. Well she has it stuck right below her head on the neck area this time. I have soaked and picked at it not able to get it off cause messing around that area is tough. I tried a friends suggestions of a soak then using a wash cloth and it wasn't any better. I have to get this off her, now she isn't happy with me cause I always have to mess with her. How long do you leave them in the pillow case for? what happens if I can't get that to work? Sometimes I wonder if she even knows how to shed, cause I spray the cage and the humidity is good, she also has plently of rough things should she want to rub it off. GRRR
-----
Misty Sprouse Ball Pythons

I have found that using cypress mulch in my racks has worked wonders for my ball pythons. It does raise the humidity a bit higher then needed, but its not like its a rain forest. I haven't had a bad shed since I went to the cypress. It's easy to clean and I haven't noticed a bug problem like I have had at times with some aspen.

-----
1.0 Pastel
1.0 het Pied
1.5 Classic
1.0 Okeetee Corn
1.1 Butter Corn
0.1 type A anerythristic corn
0.0.1 babycurus jacksoni

Two hours should be plenty. This has never failed me. Just ensure it does heat up enough to produce sweat on the inside of the box. Let us know if this works for you.
-----
Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles