Well, i just posted a question about if my ball python was going to shed, but since she hasn't been out to where i could see her, i decided to get her out. About a week ago, she looked like she was about to shed, but and has looked that was for the last week, but when i got her out this morning, she looked like she has already shed, but i can't find her skin anywhere. Also, lately she hasn't been out of her "hut". Could she have shed? and do Ball pythons sometimes go thru stages where they stay in their shelter all the time, because this isn't like her?
2007-03-07 03:30:46 · 3 answers · asked by Andii 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
She will stay in a secluded place until she is done. If you don't find the skin then you can bet she hasn't shed. They won't eat the skin, so the only other option is that it is hidden someplace in the substrate (a slim possibility but they do like to burrow in the substrate from time to time).
Shedding is a very stressful time for your snake because they are most vulnerable at this time. They expend quite a bit of energy getting the task done as well. For a couple days after the skin comes off her scales will be soft so try to avoid handling her until she hardens up.
As for going through stages of staying in the shelter... she will go through periods, especially during the winter months. Their natural habitat doesn't change too much through the seasons, but they are sensitive to the light/temp changes that occur. It's perfectly natural to have a ball python go off feeding for a month or two and remain in their hide during all daylight hours because of seasonal changes.
2007-03-07 03:43:15 · answer #1 · answered by Rob_n_Liz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a snake becomes blue (the dull, cloudy appearance right before they shed) they often hide where ever they can because their eye caps become cloudy and they can not see so they feel vulnerable. If she is now shiny and her colors are well defined again she probably shed and if you cannot find her shed maybe it's buried in her bedding somewhere. When she has a problem shed a nice warm soak will help, but not to warm you might put her in shock and defiantly not cold water. I put mine in the bath tub or in the sink depending on their size. Watch your over flow one second they will be there the next gone. Forever!! Feel free to email me if you have anymore questions!
2007-03-07 06:43:06 · answer #2 · answered by BabyBug02 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first they turn dull get white cloudy eyes then they look like they are normal then they shed be patient it will happen soon try not to handle untill shed or you can rip the skin and it wont come off all in one piece
2007-03-07 07:08:34 · answer #3 · answered by cameron b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋