dryness issue

Slcburm · 08-10-12, 01:08 PM

Ok so here is the rundown.

hot side 91
cool side 79-83

humidity maintains around 70% with a misting.

the issue is when I got her out this morning (the retic) she is pretty dry and I wonder if thats because she is sitting up on that cable near heat all day. when I mist I get her with warm water as well but not sure its making a difference. Im going to try and secure the cord if I can to prevent this but any other suggestions or is this normal?

Hillsberry · 08-10-12, 01:22 PM

Is she maybe going into shed?

Slcburm · 08-10-12, 01:24 PM

She already shed last Saturday the day after I brought her home. Held her a bit and she doesn't feel dry so it must skin for that she'd but I have missed her a few times every day and now she's in her dish.

Hillsberry · 08-10-12, 01:30 PM

I wouldn't worry to much. Just Pull up that cord so she can't go up there. Is the cord near a heat sources like a heat panel or light? I keep my retic at about 88 on the hot side and about 82 on the cool side. I find retics do better in cooler temps.

Slcburm · 08-10-12, 03:27 PM

i ll just let her chill in her water for a bit and let her be

**millertime89** · 08-11-12, 07:58 PM

Can you be more descriptive when you say the snake is dry?

Slcburm · 08-11-12, 09:04 PM

its not that he feels dry just alot of shed still on her even though Ive misted here and maintained the humidity about 70%.

**millertime89** · 08-12-12, 12:31 AM

If there's still stuck shed get a pillowcase or cloth bag and soak it, once you take it out put the snake right.in and secure the end so the snake can't get out, it will usually work the shed off itself. If not feel free to help it out by using a damp towel and letting the snake crawl through it while you're gripping it in your hand(s).

Terranaut · 08-12-12, 07:44 AM

If this is your snakes first shed since you got it and it came off in chunks it might hust be stressed. One of our boas did this even though his humidity was good. Give yours a bath or use the pillow case a said above to get the old stuff off. Get your humidity spot on. Up it or mist a bit next time its in blue until it sheds. Should be fine.

Jay · 08-12-12, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

If this is your snakes first shed since you got it and it came off in chunks it might hust be stressed.

What does stress have to do with shedding?

To the op, how are you measuring humidity?

Terranaut · 08-12-12, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

What does stress have to do with shedding?

To the op, how are you measuring humidity?

Many people have had snakes have bad sheds after being brought home and placed in a new environment. Even thought we had our male boa in 80% humidity with his temps spot on he shed in about 100 pieces first shed after coming home. This happens quite often. If the temps are right, the humidity is right, and the snake is healthy otherwise it could be stress. Why stress can mess up a shed? I do not know the exact biochemical changes stress can produce in a snake but it can affect the shed. My personal unscientific guess is that a stressed snake doesn't drink enough and becomes a bit dehydrated. Even 90% humidity from the outside won't keep the bodys water level correct and then you get a bad dry shed. This is just my personal theory and I have no science to back it up so take it as you will.

Lankyrob · 08-12-12, 08:52 AM

When we got our SD his first shed with us was atrocious even tho the conditions were perfect, his next shed was perfect - i am convinced that it was due to the move/new environment

Jay · 08-12-12, 09:33 AM

How can you be so quick to blame "stress" with absolutely no proof? Shedding is a function.

Slcburm · 08-12-12, 12:06 PM

Awesome..thanks guys. hes not stressed. he has plenty of hides..eating great pooping drinking etc..

Terranaut · 08-12-12, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

How can you be so quick to blame "stress" with absolutely no proof? Shedding is a function.

*****"You will not apply my precept," he said, shaking his head. "How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth? We know that he did not come through the door, the window, or the chimney. We also know that he could not have been concealed in the room, as there is no concealment possible. When, then, did he come?"

This Shelock Holmes quote says it all. "a function" yes it is controled by hundreds of chemical changes in the snakes body. So why do we always consider we can control the shed and a bad shed has got to be bad husbandry or illness? Ever felt sick after seeing something gross or had the runs before lets say getting married or something? Don't think it can happen to reptiles? Don't think chemical changes related to fear or "stress" could screw up a shed?
Ask those questions and double read the quote. I said it could be stress, not it was for sure. And I still think this was the issue and next shed will be fine.