Ball Pythons Poor Incomplete Shedding
Ball Python Poor or Incomplete Shedding: Causes and Fixes
When a ball python sheds properly, the old skin comes off in one complete piece. If your ball python is having poor or incomplete sheds, the most common cause is low humidity in the enclosure. A healthy ball python shed requires humidity of around 60%. If the enclosure is too dry, your snake may retain patches of old skin, eye caps, or skin around the cloaca, which can lead to infections, scarring, raised scales, and even blindness over time.
To prevent shedding problems, make sure your ball python always has clean, fresh water and a bowl large enough for it to soak in if it chooses. Check the water daily and replace it if it’s dirty, as many snakes will avoid drinking contaminated water. Problems shedding can also be a sign of dehydration, so proper hydration and humidity are both essential for complete, healthy sheds.
There are a couple of things you can do when your Python Regius experiences an incomplete shed. You can soak your snake in a container or place a humidity box in the enclosure.
Soaking: Before you attempt to assist your snake, make sure the snake is showing signs of shedding. Once you have determined this you may begin the soaking.
1) Turn your A.C. off if you are running one. Any cool drafts can potentially cause a respiratory infection.
2) Fill a container (not too deep) with warm water; no warmer than 88-90 degrees. I use a temperature gun to determine this. If you use room temperature water, make sure the room is not cold. The container should have a two to three inch gap between the surface of the water and the lid. Make sure the container is breathable, not air tight. The snake can soak in the container from 15-30 minutes. Always make sure to check the water temperature; you do not want it to get too cold.
3) Remove the snake from the water. Gently rub your hand from the neck area down towards the tail. If the snake is truly ready to shed, the skin will easily start to roll back. Remember always roll the skin from the head to the tail. This is the natural direction in which a snake sheds.
4) During the drying process, if the A.C. has been turned off and the enclosure is properly heated and free from drafts, you can place the Ball Python directly inside its housing. If the A.C. is on in this room you might want to dry your Python Regius prior to placing the snake back in its enclosure. You can do so by gently patting the snake down with either a towel or paper towels. The main point is that your snake does not catch a cold draft of air, which could result in a respiratory infection.
Prevention: If you use the type of enclosure that meets your snake’s needs, you will be less likely to experience bad sheds. The enclosure must retain the proper humidity levels. Unfortunately, many people house Ball Pythons in the same manner they would house a desert lizard.
I hope this information helps those who are experiencing shedding problems with their snakes. Thank you for your time.
Best of luck,
Living Art Reptiles™.
Source Information:
Living Art Reptiles
Photos: Living Art Reptiles & Joe Compel.
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