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Probably typical newbie question

J

Jolly Ollie

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Hey everyone! Very happy to be here. Can someone HELP ME? Have had my new 5 month old Ball for about ten days now and have transferred him to a new and bigger home. My question is with the temp and humidity levels adjusting could the cooler temps effect him by changing his eyes from clear to opaque and bluish? Or is this the beginning of a shed? How do I know about how often he sheds? WILL WE BOTH SURVIVE THIS ;) I really love my gentle little Ollie and want him to be comfortable! He ate his first meal like a trooper on Weds(3 days ago) and the only other thing I can notice is perhaps his skin isn't as plump as it was. . . although that may be me being an alarmist.
 
No worries. Sounds like he is going into shed. The skin will dull, eyes will turn blue, then they will clear up and he will shed.
Babies shed more than adults. Figure on it happening each month (depending on feeding schedule and growth) while it is a baby and once every several months as an adult.
 
Thanks SPJ! His eyes have seemed to clear up already and I am noticing a little roughness in spots on his underside. He has good energy so I guess it's just like with my first child - I just need to have a little faith that he will continue to breathe through the night!
 
Elizabeth,

You didn't specify what kind of enclosure you have him in. One thing you want to make sure is that there is enough moisture so he is able to shed properly. Provide him with some spots where he can rub against.

Best! :)
 
Hey Steve! You hit the nail on the head. My boy is shedding in small pieces and I'm having a heck of a time keeping humidity levels in his enclosure up. The tank is 3 ft. by 18 in. with a locking screened top. I have a large, open water bowl, a rock to rub on and a covered box for him to hide in. I mist the container several times a day but cannot get the humidity levels to rise above 40! The heat is being provided by an overhead bulb and even keeping much of the top covered to hold in humidity, it is much too dry for him. I have been told that heated rocks or pads are not self-regulating but I think this may be the only answer. Can you suggest something? Also, I gave him a few nice baths in some warm water at the beginning of his shed but it didn't do the trick. Is there some way I can help him get some of the skin off? He is about 2/3 of the way done but must be uncomfortable! Appreciate your help!
 
Soak him in lukewarm water for a while (1-2 h). Grab a towel and make a circular opening with your thumb and index (OK gesture); gently but firmly push the snake through this opening while you apply pressure accordingly, closing the opening between both your fingers. This rubbing against the towel will help peel the old skin off. Start always with the skin of the head making sure the transparent caps that cover the eyes are also removed. If they are stuck it's fairly easy to remove them with Scotch tape. Dry the surface of the eye with a piece of cloth and firmly apply scotch tape to it, remove slowly. Repeat until you remove the cap.

Good luck! :)
 
Wow, Dan! Luckily for me his head and eyes shed right away. That scotch tape over the eyes thing is WILD :yesnod: ! I will soak him longer and do the towel thing tonight. Let you know how it goes. Good to have you here for the advice and encouragement. It really does remind me of having my first baby and being so ultra careful of handling :rofl: . I am beginning to realize, the snake, like the kids, will come through just fine. Appreciate your time!
 
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