2011 Checkered Garter babies

[guidofatherof5]

Steve I do think that it's got a really bad retained shed, but I have soaked it in water and tried helping the extra skin off. I havn't tried warm water though, so right now i will try that.

Warm running water. Let him soak in the water for a few then, while running the water on the snake try to pull some of it off. Once you get an edge to work with you can run the water directly on that area. Usually the water will work its way under the shed and it should come off with a little help from you.
Then again it might be a bear and be hard to get off. In that case you just have to stay with it until it's off.
A retained shed will kill the snake if not removed.
Good luck, Nick.

[kibakiba]

I personally use a container with a warm wash cloth, stick them in there for about 10 minutes and then use the washcloth to try to peel it off a bit. After I get it past their neck, I use my fingers to give them a bit of help and let them work their muscles to get it off. In my opinion, letting them work their muscles helps to keep them strong, or gain strength when they're young. But that's just an opinion, not a fact or anything.

[HazAnga]

ok well i just tried what Steve said and it seemed to work some, I don't think I got it all off but I couldn't tell 100%. The retained shed was kind of pieced... it would come off in little pieces when i rubbed my finger down it's body, but I think I did git a fair amount off at least.

[HazAnga]

And on another note, I had noticed there was another het that had a bit of retained shed on the back of the head so I got that off while I was at it. But I think I've mentioned this already but I think that het it actually a pastel (not quite as light as the other pastel but still fairly bright) And the known pastel is actually kind of yellowing up...

[guidofatherof5]

The retained shed will restrict the blood flow and also restrict breathing. Even if you just get pieces off it will help. Breaking the shed will at least buy you some time.
I'd suggest a shed box for over night. In the morning check the container/towel for the shed. If no shed can be found I'd do the warm running water thing all over again.
Retained sheds on albinos are the most difficult to work with.
Sometimes you have to be rather physical with the snake but the shed must be removed.
Best of luck.

[HazAnga]

I was pretty rough, I know that I can be pretty rough with them and they'll be fine, but for the shed box, I have a container with moist moss in the tank with them. Are you sud jesting that I put it in there over night? or is there another way your thinking?

[guidofatherof5]

You have it right.
I use a secure plastic shoe box container with a warm, white dish towel inside. The warm towel sends the humidity way up.
99% of the time after a few minutes the shed may come off. Others require a longer time.

[HazAnga]

What about a warm wash cloth? instead of the dish towel?

[guidofatherof5]

Yes, that will work. It's all about a rough material to catch the shed on. Micro-towels work great, also.
I always put the towel on top of the snake, then put the lid on.
This way the snake must work its way out of the cloth.

[HazAnga]

ok, I'll check on it in the morning and then if i have to do that I will during the day, I'll be busy all day so it'll be just like night, it's seemed pretty content after it's warm bath/shower. lol