So Your Ball Python Is Shedding- What You Need To Know

Are you in the market for a ball python? If so, you will need to be familiar with the shedding process in order to care for your new snake properly.

Shedding is normal for snakes. Old scales are sloughed off in response to natural growth or weight fluctuations.

If you understand the shedding process, you will be equipped to help your ball python through this natural process after purchasing your snake and bringing him or her home.

Signs of an Impending Shed

Being able to recognize the signs that your snake is about to shed will allow you to prepare for the shedding process.

Some of the symptoms of an impending shed can be disturbing. You may notice that your snake's eyes take on a bluish hue and become more opaque as the old skin separates from the new. Your snake's scales may also become duller in appearance as they prepare to shed.

Many ball pythons will become more defensive and lose their appetites as they prepare to shed their skin. Watch for these signs so that you know when to expect your snake to shed.

Features of a Shed-Friendly Habitat

Once you have determined that your ball python will be shedding his or her skin soon, you need to make adjustments to the habitat in which your snake is housed.

A shed-friendly habitat will facilitate the shedding process and help your snake slough his or her skin as efficiently as possible.

You should add a large water bowl to the habitat so that your snake can soak at will. Soaking can help loosen the skin so that it sloughs off easier.

You will also want to add a moist hide to the habitat. A moist hide is essentially a warm hide that is lined with sphagnum moss. The moss will help to separate your snake's old skin from the new as he or she moves through the hide.

Troubleshooting the Shed Process

Most ball pythons will shed their skin successfully without any additional intervention. If your snake seems to be having trouble getting rid of all its old skin, you may need to intervene and help the process along.

You should never forcefully soak your snake in an effort to remove old skin. Snakes can easily drown if they become distressed while submerged in water. Instead of soaking, create a humidity chamber instead.

Place a warm, moist towel in a plastic container. Put the lid on the container, then place the container on a hot pad. Once the interior of the container has become warm and humid, put your snake into the container. Cover the container with a towel or dark cloth to help reduce your snake's stress levels.

You only want to keep your snake in a humidity chamber for a short period of time before returning the snake to his or her habitat. The moisture from the humidity chamber will make it easier for your snake to naturally eliminate any stubborn skin patches to complete the shedding process.

Snake Handling and Shedding

You should change your approach to handling your ball python when he or she is shedding. The shedding process may be natural, but it puts a tremendous amount of stress on your snake.

Avoid handling your snake in the days leading up to the shed, and never handle your snake when shedding is in process. Holding your snake during shedding could rip away the old skin, creating painful wounds.

You will also want to avoid handling your snake for a few days after a complete shed because the new skin can be very sensitive.

To learn more, contact a resource that has ball pythons for sale.