ball python shedding problems?

Question

hey so my ball python has been in shed for quite some time now alil over a week, the old skin over his head is off and the rest of his body is still old skin. i have a small water dish under his light and a huge water dish in the middle of the tank to create moisture and humidity. my issue and question is... why isnt he shedding the rest of his body???? AND is it normal for him to take more than a week to shed cuz i feel like hes having a difficult time. i read that you should put him in his water dish and let him soak for a few minutes but he is very very aggresive and alot more bite happy lol. any ideas on how i could get him to shed off his skin or if i should do anything at all. thanx alotttttttt i know that was alot to read and i love everyone who responds with help<33333

Answer 1

If he doesn't like to be handled don't force him to do anything. This will only make him more shy and aggressive. We have rescued some badly cared for snakes. They have always had shedding problems etc. One thing that does work for us is a shed box. Get some craft moss from the craft store (cheaper) or reptile moss from the pet store. Put it in a container big enough that he can get his whole body in. Put some water on the moss until it's fairly wet not sopping wet though.

Either put him in there or he will go eventually on his own. But, he will enjoy this more and will roll around in it. Once he sheds take it away.

Answer 2

Even though he is aggressive, you have to soak him weather he likes it or not, try picking him up directly behind his head, so he cannot strike. place him in a container(large tupperware, or 10 gallan aquarium) with a cover with HOLES. fill it up w/ luke warm water just enough to copver the body......let him soak for a good 20 minutes...... most snakes will thrash about being in the water, even if theres too much, they can swim, after he has soaked for 20 minutes, take him out , grabbing behind the head, and place a towel(one you will only use for the snake from now on) over him and hold the towel firmly where the shed is still intact, then let the snake slither(or gently pull) him through the towel you are grasping, this should pull the excess skin off........if you leave the skin on, it only really looks bad, it wont hurt the snake unless it happens often, then it could get infected.....try soaking the snake for 10 minutes a day when he shows signs of shedding in the future, this will elliminate the problem..

Answer 3

Alright if theres shed left on him what u should do is one of these things: one u can bath ur snake let fill ur bathtub with some water and rub him a bit so the shed peales two u can put baby oil on ur snake and rub it off that way If you dont have anything in the tank u should try putting like something big for it to rub agianst so its easier to shed and it dont think it has anythign to do with the humidity

Answer 4

There are shed help sprays you can buy that are made up of oils and vitamins or if you want to do it for free you can spray him with de-cholrinated water all over every 30 minutes for a few hours and then every few hours until he is done shedding.

Answer 5

Good answers already....I would only add that my vet advised me to add a few drops of glycerin to the water I have for soaking. Make sure the container is large enough for the entire body of the snake. Good Luck!!