Trouble Shedding?

[McMonty]

My friend has an albino olive python which is normaly quite active but at the moment seems quite lethargic. His eyes have been a bit cloudy for about two weeks which would suggest he is about to shed.(He is also off his food - another sign). As my friend is new to snake ownership (as am I), he has been handling the snake alot. I suggested he shouldn't handle it so much as it could affect the shed, but I am worried the snake might have difficulty shedding now. How long should it normally take from the first sign of cloudy eyes etc. How can he assist with the shedding if the skin has been disturbed. He now has an extra large bowl to soak in, and a rough rock to rub against, but he still seems really lethargic. Could this be a symptom of some other ailment or am I being paranoid? Please help.

[citysnakes]

double check your temperatures and make sure they are not too low. stop handling the snake until after he sheds and make sure the humidity is high during this time. the snake is not going to move much when in shed and most likely will spend the entire time hiding. make sure your temperature and humidity are up to where they are supposed to be and leave the snake alone until after he sheds. if hes healthy, he will shed properly and on his own if you do this.

[marvelfreak]

What he said. Maybe mist a couple time a day. Most of all leave it alone.

[Hillsberry]

Cant you also put it in a tub of warm water to help the snake?

[Will0W783]

Yes, you can soak it in a Sterilite or Rubbermaid tub with enough lukewarm (85 degree) water to reach halfway up the snake's sides so it can still rest comfortably. 10-15 minutes a day of soak until it starts to shed helps.
An even better idea is the damp pillowcase. Dampen a pillowcase, put the snake in, tie it closed and put the pillowcase with snake in it back into the snake's enclosure. Leave it in there overnight then release it next morning. This helps the snake start to peel off its skin, and hydrates it very well.

[citysnakes]

i would only soak a snake after a bad shed. soaking a snake while in shed is unnecessary and can cause problems. a snake doesnt need assistance shedding but what it does need is proper humidity levels that allow proper shedding.