New reptile owner

[tg30]

Hello, Let me start by saying this forum is great! Alot of useful info. I recently purchased a red tailed boa from a younger kid who I think did not do his research, nor knew what he was getting himself into when originally buying this snake. This boa is going on a year old and has a great attitude thus far. My question is, when I picked him up, he had just started going into the blue. Now over the last 3 his eyes became very cloudy, which in my reading is normal. He has not moved from his hiding, which Im also under the impression in normal. His eyes are now back to normal. I was wondering how many days before I see activity out of him, and skin starting to shed? And does he not need to be handled during this entire process? I know during the eyes being cloudy it is not recommended due to the limited sight. Any suggestions or just helpful hints will be very much appreciated. I want this snake to have a very good life, in very good living conditions. I have already started looking into building him living quarters that will be big enough, and last him for as long as he lives. Thank you all, and wish me luck!

[ReptileMan27]

Welcome, all normal, snakes eyes turn blue and then clear up, once they clear up the snake will shed in the next few days. Its best to leaving them be during shedding, if it has any problems shedding, you can mist the cage or soak him in warm water.

[mpgt]

Good luck, and welcome to the site! He should shed within a few days of the eyes clearing. After the shed, it's good to check the shed skin to be sure the eye caps came off. Hopefully he'll shed all in one piece. Proper humidity will help ensure that. Try to avoid handling during the shed. Some say it can break up the shed. I have my doubts about that, but it doesn't hurt to leave them alone for that time. We need pics soon

[tg30]

Yeah, I have read alot on the shed, I just wanted a time frame so I did not get worried that the process was having complications,lol So in the next few days he should start coming out of hiding and start rubbing on things? To break the skin loose? I have not misted the cage, but I have put an extra water dish under the heat side, and I have had to fill it once already so I know it is evaporating which should cause for better humidity. I have a few pics alredy, from my phone, so the quality is not all that, but I will post them. I will take some with the cam as soon as the shed comes off, cause this should be the perfect photogenic time, correct? Thank you all!!!!

[mpgt]

Sometimes you can catch them shedding and get a few pics. That's really cool to watch. My RTB has taken a week to shed after her eyes cleared before, so don't worry too much. He should look great after a shed, but my favorite times to photograph them is when they're really colored up. They have light and dark phases.

	Red Tail Boa

[tg30]

Here are the few pics I got the first day, then he went into the shedding so I have not bothered him. Thanks again!!

[brooksie2]

I always increase my tanks humidity when my snake is shedding. So far we've had great luck and they've all been in one piece. I wouldnt raise it to much but I keep it between 40-50% on average and when he sheds I try to keep it closer to 50-60%. It just seems to help his whole process. And always keep fresh water. I refill mine and wash it every day.

But other than that good luck to you! Definitely get us some pics!

[tg30]

Do you guys recommend a thermometer-humitity checker of any kind? Like one that checks both?

[mpgt]

I have one of those dual dial-type guages in a tank. They're probably not as accurate, but better than nothing. I love the Raytek, hand held temp sensor though. I got one on e-bay for $45 (I think). The laser is fun too...

[tg30]

Yeah my friend has one of those, He works for a natural gas company ang he uses it to test the temp on surfaces. It will only tell me the temp though, right? I need to get something to test the humidity too, I guess. Thanks for all the help.