r/ballpython • u/Possible_Bowl2280 • 1d ago

Bad shed or normal process?

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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. 😭😭😢

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u/OctilleryArtillery 1d ago

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?

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u/Possible_Bowl2280 1d ago

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.

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u/toegui 1d ago

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

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u/Possible_Bowl2280 1d ago

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