ball python ?

xxxjustinxxx · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 12:00 AM

my ball python looks like he didnt shed his noes fully their is skin still a little their but ive tried to get it off and it just want come off and i dont want to try anymore b/c she jirks her head away every time ?, any suggestions, and i dont want to try and soke her b/c every time i do that i think it stresses her out b/c she want eat for 3 weeks, any suggestions?

reptilemama · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 12:22 AM

Try putting her in a damp pillow case, tie the end shut, and then put her back in the cage. Between the dampness and rubbing on the cloth, it should help.

JuliusSqueezer · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 12:23 AM

Soak her. It's what works. If it's stressing her, perhaps you are doing it wrong. Are you soaking her in a small container in shallow water where she doesn't have to swim? Are you providing her with something to cling to and rub against like waded paper towel, cardboard or newspaper? Are you putting her in water that is neither warm nor cold (tepid)? If your answer to any of these questions is no then you are doing it wrong and that's why she's stressing. A 3 week fast is nothing for a ball python, her continued gorging comes second to her overall health and stuck shed on her head can block nostrils and heatpits and cause worse problems than her skipping a meal or two. If soaking doesn't take it off, then use a small amount of mineral oil and rub it on the stuck shed. Wait awhile and try to rub it off with a towel. Do not pull on it....rub it off. She may not enjoy it but it's for her best interest. If this is all too hard then I hate to see what happens when she has a serious problem and needs shots or mouth debriding. Perhaps a reptile isn't your best choice for a pet?

xxxjustinxxx · #4 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 12:55 AM

yes i do, do all those things above, the only thing i want to know is why do you put me down every time i post something. i mean its not mean but it kinda puts me down you know, so i mean chill out you dont even really know me.

i mean ive been poring warm water into a tote last night and a little came off should i try putting her in my bath tub under close supervision ?

louise · #5 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxjustinxxx

yes i do, do all those things above, the only thing i want to know is why do you put me down every time i post something. i mean its not mean but it kinda puts me down you know, so i mean chill out you dont even really know me.

i mean ive been poring warm water into a tote last night and a little came off should i try putting her in my bath tub under close supervision ?

the first year i was on RTB i hated julius. he use to do the same to me. it isn't out of meaness. he truely knows what is best for the snakes and that is his first concern. i always asked questions and then fought the answers. but when i truely started listening to him everything with the snakes went so much smoother. in all actuallity 2 of my snakes would have died if not for him. i promise you that someday you will love him and so will your snakes. save yourself alot of grief and follow his advice...it may seem brutal and cruel at times but it is fact and your snakes will only benefit by it

CC · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 01:48 AM

The water shouldn't be warm to your touch. It should feel SLIGHTLY cool. Did you soak her all night? Try putting a dish towel in there with her.

pandora1985 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 02:17 AM

if you can't get it off by the soaking methods mentioned, and if the skin is obstucting the nostrils and pits then you should rub it off gently by hand with some oil as js mentioned. you say the snake keeps moving its head...well i think every snake owner should know how to safely hold a snakes head for situations just like this.

xxxjustinxxx · #8 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 02:53 AM

no im not saying like im not holding him right im saying like when i go to do it he uses his strenght against me if u understand that ?

-!justin!-

SteveP · #9 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 03:21 AM

Life is hard, nature is harder...follow Julius' advice. The only time group hugs are given in the wild is when someone's trying to eat someone else! Note louise's post.

...and good luck with the shed!

pandora1985 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxjustinxxx

no im not saying like im not holding him right im saying like when i go to do it he uses his strenght against me if u understand that ?

-!justin!-

lol. this is a ball python. believe me...it is quite possible to immobilize the head long enough to rub the skin gently if you are holding him the right way.

crush · #11 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 12:21 PM

If you cant hold your ball python whats going to happen when your RTB needs help? People are not trying to be mean or put you down but they are not here to sugar coat everything so they dont hurt your feelings. I am a beginner with snakes and such and I learn more everyday. If I learn anything most of the time it comes from JS. There are many more people on here that help just as much. Read thier posts and just trace your steps and make sure your doing it right.

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