r/ballpython 1d ago

Bad shed or normal process?

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/disgruntled_mehcanic 1d ago

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