My Burmese Python, Dubious, is having a really hard time shedding. It is like he never stops shedding and it comes off one scale at a time rather than all in one big piece. He has a filtered pool in his enclosure for him to swim in and judging by the wet fog on the glass most of the time, I doubt that lack of humidity is the problem. He has been on the constant shed for almost 3 weeks now. He still eats but I can tell that he is uncomfortable. His scales feel like plastic and even make a crackling sound at times. I don't know what could be the problem here. Do you think this type of problem could be caused by too much humidity? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

do you have a humidity guage ?

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Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

ok, after a little research, the most common attributes to an adhered shed are:
1. Ambient temp too high
2. humidity too low
3. stress related to excessive handling, loud noises, overcrowding, vibrations
4. malnutrition
5. dermatitis
6. systematic disorders
7. hyperthyroidism
8. hypothyroidism

__________________
Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

No, I do not have a humidity gauge. I am considering looking into a new home for my most dearest reptile because I have come to the unfortunate realization that if he needs a vet, I will not be able to afford it. I think that maybe he does not have adequate lighting. the plexiglass of his enclosure is half an inch thick so I doubt enough light comes through. If it is malnutrition, then it may have to do with the nutritional value of the feeders I get for him. I plan on trying to order some frozen rats online because the pet store rodents are gross and probably not healthy. I am really low on cash right now and accommodating a 7 ft. Burmese is not a light responsibility. AAAAAh.

How's your temps ?
I would think 1 and 2 above are the most likely if you've not encountered this before.

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Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

It could be number 1. Dubious lives outside, in S. Florida and I also have a Under Tank Heater under the water section. I will turn off the heater and see if that helps. Number 1 would be the easiest problem to correct. I am concerned that it may be dermatitis though. I know that dermatitis is caused by a fungus and I closely inspected the cork that I have in the enclosure out in the sun and I discovered a grayish substance that isn't a natural part of the cork. With a magnifying glass, I can see little white specks throughout the grey. It is either some kind of fungus or mold. Do you know a good bleach to water ratio I should use spray down the cork with?

I wouldn't suggest doing that, the cork will absorb it and all the rinsing in the world will not remove it. we use a 1:10 ratio of bleach/water to clean our tanks and rinse forever til all bleach smell is gone. can you just replace the cork ?

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Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

No. The cork was really expensive. I can remove the cork and use something else for hiding.

I am now trying to figure out how to disinfect the enclosure. The thing is really heavy and sits about four feet off the ground. It is a challenge to wipe it down even. I have to crawl down inside through a small hole to do it. I can't spray it down because it wouldn't be possible to drain out. I hope to get a more practical enclosure for him soon.

you got any pics of this enclosure? i'm having trouble getting a mental picture of how hard it is to get inside the thing.

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-Adam

"Help Protect our Planet from Overcollection, Purchase Aquacultured Livestock and Captive Bred Herps"