Snake issues please help

Question

My brothers red tail boa has been shedding for over a month and he's worried that he might be sick can u give us any advice?

Answer 1

How old is the snake?  If it is older sometimes they can take a while to shed.  if the snake is having a bad shed take a plastic box, large enough for your snake to fit in it comfortably.  I used to soak a 10" burmese so it should be easy to find one for a RTB.  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 2

Alright, looks like a couple problems are occurring here.  Redtails are generally good shedders.  So no.1 you need to raise the humidity, this is pretty easy in most climates.  You could buy a humidifier for the room, or move the water dish closer to the heat lamp for a quick fix.  The best thing would be to mist him twice a day with room temp or warm water.  Now, no. 2 bad sheds can lead to infection so I would get a large bowl, fill halfway or so with warm water and soak him for atleast 20 minutes.  Do this twice a day for a couple days then gently help him shed by GENTLY rubbing at the shed, it should come off really easy if you soak him before and during the process.  I would also leave the head alone, he might need help but it is very nervewracking to touch their head.  If this does not work, please email me for more advice.

Answer 3

Shedding should take place in a couple hours. I would recommend placing the snake in water and gentle rubbing were the shedding is still on. Then try lightly pulling the skin off. Do not force the extra shedding off this will hurt your snake very much. If this doesn't work repeat the process every three days and give the cage a good mist every day. You could also try buying a shed aid at a local pet store.  

Answer 4

Has the snake done a partial shed, and has bits of skin still stuck to it?  Or are it's eyes fogged, and it just hasn't gotten around to shedding yet (or might actually be a health problem)?

If it's a patial shed; then the rest of your responders have answered that for you.  Soak it, and gently roll free any skin which will come off easily (do not tug/pull a stuck piece.  This can damage the skin beneath, cause scarring, and even make the next shed a problem).

If the snakes eyes are clouded but the skin is clear, then you might want to have your vet peek at it.

Good luck, and I hope you resolve the issue soon.

Answer 5

try increasing the humidity and/or put him in a damp luke warm pillow case.