need help watersnake with bad shed

[littlepretty]

I keep several northern watersnakes and have never had a problem with them shedding. The last time my largest snake shed it came off in long strips and ?she? is having trouble getting the rest off. She has never had a problem before. I captured her on someones property before he killed her and when I got her she had a bump on her nose that looked like a water blister but it was the only flaw on her. it later popped and I found out it was an infected sore so I treated it and it began to heal. It disappeared more with every shed and was almost gone but when she shed this time it came back worse than before. What should I do about her shed and the sore on her nose? I don't have a herp vet anywhere near me so I have learned how to deal with most problems on my own but I need some advice from someone more experienced than me. She has become jumpy since her attempted shed and doesn't like me messing with her. She is about 3 ft. so I believe she could deliver a pretty nasty bite if I try to help her shed with a bath or anything. I had a ringneck that had shed problems and I let it slide through a warm moist towel to shed it helped a lot but like I said she has become very jumpy never struck yet but gets in a defensive position and looks ready to strike. She used to be very easy going and laid back.

[wreckwriter]

Try a shedding bag. You need a rough cloth sack (a pillowcase is too smooth) big enough to put the snake in but not leaving a whole lot of extra space (you need him to try to get out). Wet the bag and leave in warm place. Snake will try to push his way out and this will help work the shed free. Don't let the bag dry out.

As for the infection, treat with topical antibiotic and find a vet. Here's a decent listing for your state if you don't have a local recommended vet:

http://www.arav.org/Members/VA.htm

[littlepretty]

I'll try it but I don't know how well it will work. I put her in a bag when I give her home a complete cleaning and she is usually in the same position when I get her out that she was in when I put her in there. She is usually very laid back and very calm about being in a bag, she doesnt move much in it.

[wreckwriter]

Originally Posted by littlepretty

I'll try it but I don't know how well it will work. I put her in a bag when I give her home a complete cleaning and she is usually in the same position when I get her out that she was in when I put her in there. She is usually very laid back and very calm about being in a bag, she doesnt move much in it.

OK, then handle her while she's in the bag. Move her around.