Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone. I have a juvenile Dumeril's Boa that is in the process of shedding- but the old skin isn't coming off. I've soaked him for 5 minutes in warm water a few times and the skin is still on him- any tips?

(should he be soaking allot longer??)

How far into the process is he? Has the shed started coming off on it's own at all, or is he still "in blue"? Also, the eyes do clear up before they actually start shedding, so if your seeing this and thinking he's stuck, just give him a few days. Take care

Paul

Paul,

well his skin is dry and flaky and 1 eye is clear and the other seems to have shed (it's clear.) He hasn't eaten since his arrival here (3weeks)- although the breeder said he did eat prior to him selling him to me at the show.
I've soaked him for several times for several minutes in warm water- but he still hasn't shed and hasn't eatten yet- I'm a little worried about him.
I have him housed in a round plastic "pet shop" type enclosure with a hide rock and bark bedding. I'd estimate the temp in the encolsure is about 77-82 degrees and mostly dry (but I did mist his bedding a bit).......any words?

Well, I'd go get a small rubbermaid shoebox, put about 1/8" of water...very little, don't want to drown him! Put a couple holes in the lid, and put the lid on....let him soak for quite a while. Then you can try to work the shed off by hand slowly. Try to start around the "lip" and use a fingernail to get it started. Make sure also to check the water temp. with a thermometer of some sort. Warm water to your hand is too hot to the snake. No real exact temp. on the water for you, I'd say around 78-80 degrees. It sounds like he is dehyrdrated. Is this Dumerils tongue flicking? The last dumerils I knew of in this condition, did not tongue flick. When you'd open the mouth, you'd find the tongue lying alongside the glotus. He also was almost always dehyrdrated. This was one I purchased in a hurry, and had to assist feed...oops! After that, I've never used the round containers, but you can find what I use in a few threads below, and also a few other good set ups from other keepers/breeders. Man, I wish you the best of luck, have you contacted the breeder/dealer? Possibly he can offer you some assistance or would be willing to help you out in some other way that only he can offer being the breeder/dealer of the animal. Good luck, take care

Paul