I recently got a snake (thursday) and he had some shedding problems before we got him. There are some patches of shed on him, especially his head. Do I just leave him be, or is there some way to help with this? I've been keeping the humidity up (since it was a humidity problem) but I don't know what else to do.
Well, it depends on how bad it is. If it’s just a few stuck areas here and there, I’d leave it. The snake is still acclimating, so no need to stress it out for something that will resolve with the next shed as long as you keep the humidity up.
No less than 60% are needed for a ball python to thrive. I don’t know what species your snake is, but raising humidity to above 70 percent for a couple of days, maybe even 90+ should help your new friend get the old skin off. But I would not start with the soaks etc. unless medically necessary.
This brings me to point 2 of my reply.
You need to take it to a qualified reptile vet.
Only a qualified reptile vet can correctly assess your new snaky friend’s health. Having been in a dry enough environment to cause stuck shed (dysecdysis) may have also caused a respiratory infection. That sort of thing lingers, and snakes are good at hiding their illness until they are very very sick.
As a rule, take all your new animals to the vet for a checkup, and to get husbandry advice. If you have other snakes, observe strict quarantine for 90 days to make sure that if the snake harbors any disease, you don’t inadvertently pass it on to your other snakes.
I have this post here to help new snake keepers. This is not to replace a veterinary consultation though :)
Enjoy your new scaly companion!
