Molting is a natural process in healthy pythons.
How often ball pythons shed depends on the snake’s individual metabolism and the rate at which it grows. Young ball pythons shed about every three to four weeks and adult ball pythons every four to six weeks. Sometimes other events, such as infection or trauma, can cause ball pythons to shed more often. If a snake isn’t growing or feeding well, it may shed as rarely as two or three times a year.
Shedding is a natural process in a healthy ball python. Snake skin does not grow with the body like in other animals. Instead, snakes and other reptiles go through a process called ecdysis, where the old skin is shed as the animal grows to reveal fresh, new skin underneath.
The most common reason ball pythons shed is in response to rapid growth. A newborn python will have its first shed about a week after birth. Since each shedding lasts seven to 14 days and the snake can shed as often as every three weeks, a young ball python appears to be continually shedding. As a young python reaches adulthood, its shedding may gradually decrease. On average, an adult can still eliminate every 45 to 60 days.
Other reasons ball pythons shed include in response to trauma, dirty conditions, or injury. Excessive handling can cause stress and lead to more frequent spills. Conversely, a snake that is not feeding well may not be released as often as a healthier snake because it may stop growing.
The ball python should always shed all of its skin, starting with the head. This process can be compared to a sock being slipped from the arm to the elbow and removed so that the sock is inside out once removed. The first signs of an impending fall are cloudy blue eyes, dull skin coloration, and a pinkish tint to the belly. In five or six days, the eyes will clear up and the snake will look for a rough surface to rub on. The entire removal process will take about a week or two.
Spill problems can develop in response to humidity levels below 50 percent. Optimum humidity levels for the molting period are 60 to 70 percent. The presence of mites or bacterial infection can also interfere with the elimination process. Providing a covered container with a lid and hole allows the snake to soak and can help speed up the removal process.
During the fall, ball pythons can be nervous or aggressive and should be disturbed as little as possible. Ball pythons can’t see very well when the show area is falling down and can feel vulnerable. They should not be fed or handled until elimination is complete.