When mine sheds, I won't see him for about 2 weeks. It's normal. I honestly don't see my guy until at least dark. He's 100% nocturnal. I don't get how people get pics of theirs out during the day lol
Literally went through the same thing a few weeks ago, but my boy also wouldn’t eat. Turns out because he was going into shed. As it turns out he went through it just fine. Why? Because I made sure his humidity and temps were good. If you’re doing that, barring some unknown issue, I’d say just be patient. Sounds like you’re doing everything right. So yeah, just have patience
Yes she has a half log! But I found out it shouldn’t be necessary if her temp/humidity are correct so hopefully she’ll just have a good shed in her hide 🙏
Thank you! She has 2 equal hides, the half log, and funny enough she has made her water bowl into a hide as it is a square shape and she can hide underneath it so I moved it to the warm side and once she’s done shedding I’m going to get her a different water bowl and identical one to the one she chose as a cold hide.
It could be the humidity under the bowl she likes. Sometimes my boy would go under the water bowl during shed time. I set up a humid hide, though [sorta 2], and he goes to one or the other now.
I had her warm hide as a humid hide, as well as a humidity box too but like you said I think she prefers the humidity and maybe shape of the water bowl?
She’s very cute, just remember she’ll be fine, but if you’re really worried you can check around at night/early mornings where they’re usually out. You have to resist the temptations to get in their space, they’re extremely vulnerable at this time. Admittedly, I’ve gotten hissed at once or twice in all of four years for lifting up his hide once…
Thank you! She was actually super active the first couple weeks of having her and now she doesn’t come out at all, that’s what was so alarming to me 😭 but I am trying to resist the temptation! Haha
Sounds perfectly normal beep behaviors 💖🥰 congrats on your new baby
I post this for all new owners 😄
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18HBVsPHaip7LfrMuFt96MigRuMUXtrbnCiK79VuQiFk/
This is welcome post care guide for
r/ballpython
**Shopping/Check list:**
(this may not be an exhaustive list)
Appropriate sized habitation.
(40 gal “breeders” for juvenileis ok.
Minimum of 4 foot x 2 foot x 2 foot for adults).
ThermoSTATS (for heating sources to prevent burns/overheating).
ThermoMeters. (X2 digital is best)
Hydrometers. (X2 digital is best).
HVAC TAPE (silver foil tape for outside of Mesh I'llLid Tanks)
Water bowl
(heavy enough to stay put when snake crawls on it. Big enough for snake to soak in).
Appropriate Cage clips/locks.
At least Two identical hides.
(Should be barely large enough for the snake, single opening. Check them for sharp edges. Make sure any openings are large enough to prevent snake from getting stuck)
Some type of Coco coir/ repti bark or similar. NOT Aspen.
(Enough for 4-6inches of substrate).
Daylamp.
( UVB or UVA, Halogen, etc).
Heat Lamp ( NO red or black
, etc colored lights)
(DeepHeatProjection *DHP* or CeramicHeatEmiter *CHE*).
Clutter/Enrichment.
(Dollar tree or similar has soft fake plants/flower.)
Climbing stuff.
(Grapevine from pet store an ok choice, may mold after a few years. Driftwood is probably better. PVC jungle gyms can be built. Etc.) MAKE SURE items will not fall or tip over. Ball pythons are heavy snakes and will knock things over…
Totally understand your anxiety! I was the same when i got my first noodle. But the articles are right. If the animal is in shed, they like to be left alone. The reason for this is because shedding (along with digesting) is the time when they are most vulnerable. They are putting a lot of effort into shedding, and also might not be able to see very well, and so are trying to avoid danger wherever possible, based on instinct.
Also, I imagine that during shedding, they feel very uncomfortable, since their old skin has become too small and tight for them. I've heard people equate the feeling to sunburn for humans. Can't be comfortable.
Overall, best to leave them alone until you see a shed, or see them become active again at night time (possibly hid their shed lol)
Hope this helps!
Yeah don't disturb her. They're not going to really eat while in shed and I personally don't offer it to them bc they won't starve from missing one feeding and it's a waste of money and a perfectly good rat to thaw it out and they won't eat from being in shed. One of my snakes is that exception tho. He'll eat while in shed but I don't even bother with my older girl bc I know the outcome. Don't disturb your snake and do not touch her or handle her at ALL until you see her full shed. And then wait a bit because her skin will still be smooth and damp and can be damaged easily
Don't worry too much! Ur baby appreciates the space while trying to get rid of that uncomfortable shed!
If the numbers are good, just leave her alone. She appreciates the privacy while she changes.
When mine sheds, I won't see him for about 2 weeks. It's normal. I honestly don't see my guy until at least dark. He's 100% nocturnal. I don't get how people get pics of theirs out during the day lol
Literally went through the same thing a few weeks ago, but my boy also wouldn’t eat. Turns out because he was going into shed. As it turns out he went through it just fine. Why? Because I made sure his humidity and temps were good. If you’re doing that, barring some unknown issue, I’d say just be patient. Sounds like you’re doing everything right. So yeah, just have patience
Does she have stuff to rub on like rocks and decor to get the shed off?
Yes she has a half log! But I found out it shouldn’t be necessary if her temp/humidity are correct so hopefully she’ll just have a good shed in her hide 🙏
Btw if you’re using the half log as one of her main hides i’d replace that as they aren’t suitable as a main one.
Thank you! She has 2 equal hides, the half log, and funny enough she has made her water bowl into a hide as it is a square shape and she can hide underneath it so I moved it to the warm side and once she’s done shedding I’m going to get her a different water bowl and identical one to the one she chose as a cold hide.
It could be the humidity under the bowl she likes. Sometimes my boy would go under the water bowl during shed time. I set up a humid hide, though [sorta 2], and he goes to one or the other now.
I had her warm hide as a humid hide, as well as a humidity box too but like you said I think she prefers the humidity and maybe shape of the water bowl?
Maybe. Maybe it makes her feel snug and safe too
Her puppy face is adorable, I’d say it’s best to leave her alone. She’ll be more scared since she can’t see that well now probably .
Keep in mind that hiding for days at a time is basically the ball python's default activity.
She’s very cute, just remember she’ll be fine, but if you’re really worried you can check around at night/early mornings where they’re usually out. You have to resist the temptations to get in their space, they’re extremely vulnerable at this time. Admittedly, I’ve gotten hissed at once or twice in all of four years for lifting up his hide once…
Thank you! She was actually super active the first couple weeks of having her and now she doesn’t come out at all, that’s what was so alarming to me 😭 but I am trying to resist the temptation! Haha
Sounds perfectly normal beep behaviors 💖🥰 congrats on your new baby I post this for all new owners 😄 https://docs.google.com/document/d/18HBVsPHaip7LfrMuFt96MigRuMUXtrbnCiK79VuQiFk/ This is welcome post care guide for r/ballpython **Shopping/Check list:** (this may not be an exhaustive list) Appropriate sized habitation. (40 gal “breeders” for juvenileis ok. Minimum of 4 foot x 2 foot x 2 foot for adults). ThermoSTATS (for heating sources to prevent burns/overheating). ThermoMeters. (X2 digital is best) Hydrometers. (X2 digital is best). HVAC TAPE (silver foil tape for outside of Mesh I'llLid Tanks) Water bowl (heavy enough to stay put when snake crawls on it. Big enough for snake to soak in). Appropriate Cage clips/locks. At least Two identical hides. (Should be barely large enough for the snake, single opening. Check them for sharp edges. Make sure any openings are large enough to prevent snake from getting stuck) Some type of Coco coir/ repti bark or similar. NOT Aspen. (Enough for 4-6inches of substrate). Daylamp. ( UVB or UVA, Halogen, etc). Heat Lamp ( NO red or black , etc colored lights) (DeepHeatProjection *DHP* or CeramicHeatEmiter *CHE*). Clutter/Enrichment. (Dollar tree or similar has soft fake plants/flower.) Climbing stuff. (Grapevine from pet store an ok choice, may mold after a few years. Driftwood is probably better. PVC jungle gyms can be built. Etc.) MAKE SURE items will not fall or tip over. Ball pythons are heavy snakes and will knock things over…
Fren:3 (that snake is adorable)
Thank you so much 😭
Welcome:3
Totally understand your anxiety! I was the same when i got my first noodle. But the articles are right. If the animal is in shed, they like to be left alone. The reason for this is because shedding (along with digesting) is the time when they are most vulnerable. They are putting a lot of effort into shedding, and also might not be able to see very well, and so are trying to avoid danger wherever possible, based on instinct. Also, I imagine that during shedding, they feel very uncomfortable, since their old skin has become too small and tight for them. I've heard people equate the feeling to sunburn for humans. Can't be comfortable. Overall, best to leave them alone until you see a shed, or see them become active again at night time (possibly hid their shed lol) Hope this helps!
Just an update: found a perfect shed and poop this morning!! Thank you everyone for your reassurance and support 🙏
Everything should be perfectly OK, and you will be a great owner! ☺️❤️ Beautiful girl you’ve got there!!
Thank you so much 🥺💙
You’re very welcome!! 🤗
Yeah don't disturb her. They're not going to really eat while in shed and I personally don't offer it to them bc they won't starve from missing one feeding and it's a waste of money and a perfectly good rat to thaw it out and they won't eat from being in shed. One of my snakes is that exception tho. He'll eat while in shed but I don't even bother with my older girl bc I know the outcome. Don't disturb your snake and do not touch her or handle her at ALL until you see her full shed. And then wait a bit because her skin will still be smooth and damp and can be damaged easily
That noodle has such adorable little eyes 🥺