Rocket-Need Help with removing stuck shed

[tlbowling]

This is Rocket, I bought him from Jeremy (JJR's Reptile Ranch ).

He's super friendly and the kids LOVE HIM!

With his last shed a peice of skin got caught on his snout, and it is ROCK hard! I've tried a nice warm bath, and spent 15 minutes trying to take my finger nail and scrape it off. He acted like he knew I was trying to help him at first, and put up with me But after a while, he got fed up, and just wanted to get away. I've re-moistened his humid hide (it was already damp), and put it directly over his heat source, (before it was between warm and cool sides). Anybody have any other ideas? Is there anything else I can do for him? I guess I'll try again tomorrow if it's still there.

 

[GeckoGathering]

stuck shed

This is Rocket, I bought him from Jeremy (JJR's Reptile Ranch ).

He's super friendly and the kids LOVE HIM!

With his last shed a peice of skin got caught on his snout, and it is ROCK hard! I've tried a nice warm bath, and spent 15 minutes trying to take my finger nail and scrape it off. He acted like he knew I was trying to help him at first, and put up with me But after a while, he got fed up, and just wanted to get away. I've re-moistened his humid hide (it was already damp), and put it directly over his heat source, (before it was between warm and cool sides). Anybody have any other ideas? Is there anything else I can do for him? I guess I'll try again tomorrow if it's still there.

Sorry, old eyes can't see the stuck shed. Continue daily soaks, humid hide sprayed, and use a
moist q-tip to sort of roll over the spot. As it softens
you may be able to pull on a end of it and remove.
Helps to have semi rough furniture in tank
for him to rub against.
Take care. HJ​

 

[Dog Shrink]

A dab of mineral oil massaged into the stuck shed daily after the soaks. I'm in the midst of doing this with my son's python that had a bad shed and now has eye caps.

 

[tlbowling]

Thanks guys! Never thought of using a Q-tip! Or mineral oil...see that's what this forum is for...all the little tricks of the trade:main_thumbsup:

 

[Dog Shrink]

Happy to help. Also we used a soft bristle tooth brush or nail brush to get the body shed off the boys python. He REALLY seemed to dig the scratchins while soaking in the bath holding onto his washcloth.. funny python Just make sure you don't get the mineral oil in his nostrils. They don't appreciate that much at all.

 

[Quantumhigh]

Damp Q-tip for the win. Ive had mine get some shed stuck. Just gentle rub the damp q-tip over the shed and it will loosen up. Sometime your gecko will help you in the process by putting extra pressure where its stuck. Hehe once they realize what your doing to help them theyll help out a bit too. Atleast mine do. =D

 

[Dog Shrink]

My son's python is like that with these eye caps. He rubs back into you while you're trying to rub the mineral oil on him.

 

[tlbowling]

I was thinking damp Q-tip when I get home this evening...if it is still hard to get off, I'll try the mineral oil....but i dont have any? Can I use olive oil instead?

 

[Dog Shrink]

I've never used olive oil in this type of application so I can't say.

 

[turbogex]

Hope you are able to get it off for him. His colors are coming in nicely. It is hard to see in the picture but keep it moist and it should come off.

 

[Pokersnake]

What has worked for me is to put the gecko in something like a critter keeper with wet paper towels in the bottom. Not damp... wet. And put the lid on so he can't get out. Put the tub over his hot spot for about 30 minutes. I recommend 90 degrees; that's when the water starts making some good humidity. After 30 minutes, take him out and try the q-tip approach. If the skin is still stuck, go another 30 minutes in the tub and try again.

One of my males has chronic shed problems from toes to head to eyes. Every time he sheds it seems I'm gonna have to be there to assist him. He's already lost some claws from before I got him. I don't like the idea of him losing more... the idea of it creeps me out.

 

[tlbowling]

The "sauna" approach :main_thumbsup:....Im going to go try it now! I'll let you know how we made out.

 

[Quantumhigh]

I was thinking damp Q-tip when I get home this evening...if it is still hard to get off, I'll try the mineral oil....but i dont have any? Can I use olive oil instead?

I do belive olive oil is safe. This was told to me by a vet, the oil will also act a a moisturizer and conditioner for there skin.

 

[tlbowling]

Just an update....The "sauna approach, and Q-tip worked like a charm:main_thumbsup: Thanks Guys, you are wonderful!

 

[turbogex]

Good to hear!

 

[Dog Shrink]

YAY no more stuck shed Bet you're both relieved

 

[Quantumhigh]

Woot!