Incomplete Shed- Help?

Question

My ball python is about 3 1/2 feet long, she has a pretty obvious incomplete shed. A little under half of her body has retained the older shed. I've tried soaking her, but it doesn't seem to work well. How can I get the rest of the skin off without hurting her?

The remaining skin is on her head and back about nine inches.

Answer 1

This has happened to me before. Still try soaking her and it will eventually come off. Don't try taking it off yourself because you may pull some scales off of the snake. She will get the skin off on her own at her own rate. Just keep soaking her and it will come off.

Answer 2

Since your snake is having a bad shed take a plastic box, large enough for your snake to fit in it comfortably.  Get the short boxes for soaking snakes…the box should be about the height to go under a bed.  Drill several small holes along the sides at the top for airflow (this box can also be used as a feeding tub for your snake).  Put about a half inch or an inch of lukewarm water (about 80 Fahrenheit) and put the top on the plastic tub and “soak” the snake for about 3 hours (changing the water every so often if needed).  The reason to do this in a plastic tub with only a half inch or inch of water is because it's the humidity that this creates that helps the skin loosen and come off easier for your snake.  

Good luck.

Answer 3

there is a product that may help, Shed away by Nature Zone.

I have used it on my Ball and it helped.

I finally got my humidity right for her and still had to use some for a small spot on her back.

You can get it at a pet store or from their web site

http://www.naturezonepet.com

Answer 4

I'm almost certain that means the humidity in your tank is off.

I would say just keep bathing her. Are the caps on her eyes off? That is very important b/c she may mistake you for prey, or may not be able to see her prey.

Do this for the eye caps.

http://www.anapsid.org/eyeshed.html

just keep bathing it beyond that. You may want to allow your snake to rub on some smooth river stones, while in the water.

Answer 5

I've had the exact same problems with ball pythons.  Make sure they don't form a ring of dead skin around the tail, which will act like a tourniquet.  There are several sprays on the market and available online and at pet stores, and work to varying degrees of success.  Humidity is key, make sure the water bowl is always full and mist the tank a little when her eyes turn blue.  Also, a common problem is that there is just no rubbing stone in the tank where the snake can peel his/her skin.  Find a nice rough rock, but with no razor sharp edges, and incorporate it into the tank.  If all else fails, manual peeling always works and is a good bonding experience for the two of you.  Good Luck!

Answer 6

I suggested given her a soak and with a soft towel I would then lightly wipe her so it prompts the scales to come off. If still no luck you can by a commerical  spray from your local pet store which assists with shedding.