Shedding Questions

[sassamagoo]

My boa is getting ready to shed again and I have a couple questions. First off, the first shed went well other than a tiny spot on the top of his head that came off easily with baby oil and gentle rubbing.

Here's my concerns:

#1: I'm having a little bit of a hard time keeping his humidity higher for shed time (I've been able to maintain his normal humidity, just shedding humidity is being harder to maintain), so I'm having to mist around 5-6 times a day. Is this okay? Or too much? I'm hoping to have a perfect shed with no dry spot this time.

#2: I know I'm not supposed to handle him while he's cloudy because they can be more snappy as they can't see well and it can be stressful for them. But what about after it clears back up before the shed and they can see well again?

#3: If it is okay to handle him after he's clear again, can I/should I give him a little bath to maybe help hydrate his skin more? He does have a water dish that is large enough for him to bath in inside his enclosure, but I never see him in it.

Hope to hear from someone soon as he just went "clear" today, so I know he's going to shed within a few days.

Thanks,
Sass

[Will0W783]

Soaking him is a good idea. The only reason people say don't handle them that I'm aware of is that they get snappy as they can't see. Also it could cause stress, but if the snake is fairly accustomed to being handled it shouldn't be a problem to take him out and soak him. Get some 85 degree water in a tub or rubbermaid container, preferably with a lid so you can contain him while he's soaking. Only put an inch or two of water- you want the water to come just over halfway up the snake's body, but he should still be able to rest on the floor of the container; don't make it so deep he has to constantly swim or he will panic and get upset. Place him in the water and put the lid on and leave him in there for 10-15 minutes. Then take him out and put him right back in his cage. I soak a lot of my snakes that need higher humidity when they're getting ready to shed. Good luck!

[sassamagoo]

Thanks for the response Kimberly, thats what I was hoping to hear.

Sass

[siz]

I think (I could be wrong, so please correct me if I am) that that main reason you shouldn't handle them in opaque is because you can damage the new skin underneath. I would also imagine they would be more touch-sensitive at this time if this is true, but that is purely speculation. Of course, another reason definatley is that they can't see as well and are therefore more likely to either get extremely scared or possibly strike.

I also remember Julian saying something about not soaking while actually in shed. I'm really trying to remember exactly what he said...maybe he will chime in if I can't find the post..
edit: found it. I'm going to quote it here, hope you don't mind Julian. I think it's a great piece of advice and it's buried in an unrelated thread.

i'd like to comment on the fact that you have suggested to soak a snake while in shed to "help" with the process.

to keep it simple, when snakes start a shed cycle a liquid barrier filled with enzymes forms in between the new and the old skin. this is why your snake turns "blue" or "opaque". excessive damp or wet conditions may compromise this barrier and actually have negative effects on the shedding process as well as possible risk for skin problems. there is no need to soak a snake while it is in shed for this reason and as well as the fact that we are all responsible keepers providing optimal care for our snakes, i assume the proper environmental conditions are provided.

when the heat and humidity (along with other factors) are where they are supposed to be and your animal is healthy and not stressed, it will (under normal circumstances) shed, on its own, without problems. considering snakes during a shed cycle are at their most vulnerable point so they stress out more readily and may act more agressive, it is best to leave it alone and let it shed on its own. this added stress due to unnecessary handling during a shed cycle may also have negative effects on the outcome. the snake doesnt need any physical help to eventually shed. all you as the keeper need to do is provide the proper conditions and allow the snake to shed on its own when its ready. if it doesnt shed properly then obviously your husbandry is off and needs some correcting and it is at this time when a keeper's intervention of soaking the snake is an effective method of assistance.

for these reasons i would have to say that the best assistance during a snakes shed cycle is keeping the environment stable and if you must do something else, then, slightly bump the humidity up.

other than that just leave the snake alone. it will shed on its own without the keepers physical assistance.
-citysnakes.com from 'Frusteration w/ Converting to F/T'

[sassamagoo]

Thanks Siz, thats good info. good call on finding that old post by Julian, I will keep that info in mind in the future.