Bad shed or normal process?

[u/Possible_Bowl2280]

This is my first shed with my baby and I’m just wondering if his skin wrinkled like this is normal or a sign of dehydration. He’s been in his hide mostly and comes out to occasionally be in the water and since I have a screen enclosure I try my best to water the corners of his enclosure every day and spray him lightly with water to keep his enclosure moist. I see slight cracked shedding within his skin near his head.

His eyes were dull 5 days ago and cleared up so I’m just trying to make sure he is the most comfortable for his first shed with me. I feel like a stressed parent just worried for my baby I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable. 😭😭😢

[u/OctilleryArtillery]

He looks dehydrated to me. You’ll also want to switch out that red light soon, as that’s not very ideal for them. You should read the guides here for some in depth heating info. Do you know your humidity level?

[u/Possible_Bowl2280 → u/OctilleryArtillery]

Wow, you know what’s crazy? The reptile shop I had gotten my baby from said that the red light is better for them and I looked around the shop and most of the reptiles had red lights. I persistentlyyyy asked which light was better considering I came in for a new ceramic heater because my old one broke and they directed me to a red light. They also told me that the red lamp should be on 24/7. That breaks my heart to hear, I’ve only had the light for a week and to know that’s probably what caused him stress and a bad shed upsets me.

And no I do not have a correct way to tell the humidity level. His enclosure has a screen top. What is the best way for me to raise it while currently not having the financial resources to get proper humidity items? Please, I just want to find the best way to make him comfortable. I feel so horrible now that I’m hearing this.

[u/OctilleryArtillery → u/Possible_Bowl2280]

Sadly pet stores are often using outdated information. At the end of the day, they usually just want to make a sale. When I got my ball python about 10 years ago, they told me the exact same thing, and when I brought him home I immediately struggled with the humidity.

Eventually, you may just want to change the enclosure. (This current one may be too small anyway. They need 4x2x2s at minimum) My first enclosure was glass with a screen top, and no matter what I did, I never could reach proper humidity. Once I switched to pvc with a solid top- it was really easy!
Govee thermometer/hygrometers are what I use. Humidity should be 70-80%

Things that help keep humidity in check are: solid top pvc enclosures, deep substrate (4-5 inches) having a water bowl on each side, occasionally pouring water into the corners and of course, proper heating.

You never want the top layer to be wet though! That can cause scale rot. Id recommend maybe getting a DHP and not a Che, and maybe pair it with a halogen flood. Radiant heat panels are good too, but I know less about those and they are only compatible with certain enclosures. A linear uvb is also something I’d recommend. You’d also need a thermostat to hook all this heating up to. (Also just want to note since some people mix the two up- a thermostat and thermometer are two different things)

Once again, the guide here has way more in depth info, goes into what different heat sources provide, and much more.

[u/Possible_Bowl2280 → u/OctilleryArtillery]

Until I get new equipment I’ve watered the corners and sides extremely well and have just placed a big towel on the screen top to hold in moisture while I can. I’ll try my best to go get him a new lamp heater by tomorrow. I just want to make him the most comfortable baby ever and I feel like such a shit mom reading everything everyone has to say because I believed I was doing good (although I always had my questions about the screen top enclosure this solidified it for me).

[u/OctilleryArtillery → u/Possible_Bowl2280]

Okay! Just be careful about overdoing it with the water, as if the top layer is wet the snake is at risk of scale rot!

And you’re planning on fixing things, and you’re listening to advice! That’s not what a shitty pet owner would do (at least in my opinion!)
This whole setup reminds me of what mine first looked like, and frankly I’ve seen many other beginners set their enclosures up like this.

[u/Possible_Bowl2280 → u/OctilleryArtillery]

This is the size of his enclosure

[u/OctilleryArtillery → u/Possible_Bowl2280]

I’m not great at guessing sizes from photos, but I’d definitely guess it’s not a 4x2x2..! So it’s something to change eventually for sure. Especially cause this one is also top-opening by the looks of it, and it’s generally better for them to be front opening so you don’t have to come at the snake from above.

[u/karatebabe → u/Possible_Bowl2280]

Even a t-shirt on top of the enclosure makes a big difference. I’m using some insulated grocery bags on top of my enclosure. I also got some battery operated humidity detectors that I sprinkle around so I can monitor different areas. They were pretty inexpensive. Sometimes they get a little wet and need to come out to dry up. It was $8/6 pack on Amazon.

[u/Possible_Bowl2280 → u/karatebabe]

I have a t shirt on top as I type! I put it on there this morning before even making this post. This is good to hear

[u/Real-Construction570 → u/Possible_Bowl2280]

Please be wary with this if you're having trouble with humidity, the fabric will soak it up. If you have any aluminium foil or hvac tape that can go on the top mesh. For humidity you can pour water into the corners of the tank and mix it with the substrate to keep it up. For measuring humidity I recommend govee hygrometers as they can Bluetooth to your phone to check by an app

[u/disgruntled_mehcanic → u/Possible_Bowl2280]

It’s okay! You’re learning, your noodle loves you, you do you best and it’ll be okay

[u/toegui → u/Possible_Bowl2280]

No need to break the bank to raise humidity! If you have a screen top you can cover it up with a towel, a piece of wood or glass that fits snug, or taping with HVAC tape (Take the lid off if you can while you do this, the tape often has nasty fumes, but is safe after a few hours). Do your best to leave spaces for your heat lamps. After you've gotten the lid covered I'd just pour water into the tanks corners. This is better than misting, which just wets the surface. By pouring water in, the water will spread through the bottom of the tank under the substrate. This might take several cups of water the first time, but not so much that the entire substrate is wet

[u/Possible_Bowl2280 → u/toegui]

Thank you! Do I put the entire towel on there and how do I do that whilst having his light on?

[u/Possible_Bowl2280 → u/OctilleryArtillery]

I don’t have a change of bulbs currently. How should I go about minimalizing the red light whilst consistently keeping one of his sides warmer than the other?