I'm new to the shedding process so, anything you can tell me would be helpful! Can I still hold him if he's shedding? Will he get agressive if I don't hold him for awhile?
Answers:
The first stage of the shedding process is the snake's belly will turn a pinkish color and their eyes will begin turning cloudy (milky). Usually the eyes will clear up right before the shed begins. The snake's skin will turn dull or pale (in most cases like a bluish color). The shedding process usually takes anywhere between 7-14 days, sometimes longer if the humidity level is not right or if the snake is ill. It is best not to handle the snake until the shedding is complete. Most snakes become irritated or agile while shedding, and may strike or bite (not always for meanness, but sometimes because it really can't see you and may mistake your hand for prey). Also, while in the shedding process, the snake may refuse to eat, so don't be too concerned about him missing a meal, but do keep in mind that soon after the shedding is complete, he should start back with his regular eating habits. Be sure to have something in the snake's tank that he can rub against to help with his shedding (such as a rock (NOT heated!!), branches, etc.), and a large enough water dish that the snake can soak in, since he will spend most of his time soaking during shedding., and the humidity level in the tank should be increased (not too much). Also, Astro-turf for the substrate is not only great for easy cleaning, but it also helps with the shedding.
Hope this helps and good luck with your ball python!
Also, just for your information in regards to the 1st comment: I agree with all that was said but just wanted you to know why the skin on the tail, if not shedded during the process, should be removed, because it will cause loss of circulation to the tail, as well as the eye caps, they should be removed because if left on, can cause loss of circulation in the eyes and can cause permanent blindness.
The processes of shedding, or sloughing, usually take about 7-10 days to complete. You'll first notice that your Ball Python's belly is getting a pink color. Once you notice this, it's best advised to not handle your snake. Shortly after noticing the belly getting pink, you should see the eyes begin to look foggy and the snake's colors begin to dull. After 5-6 days of this, things begin to clear up. A few days after the clearing, your snake will find something rough and rub against it. Ideally your snake should be able to shed in one full piece, which comes off inside out, like when you pull off your sock. If your snake doesn't happen to get it off in one piece, that's a sign that you are not providing exactly the right environment. It may be too dry in the tank, or your snake may be a little dehydrated. The two problem areas you should watch out for, if it didn't slough in a single piece, are around the eyes, and the tip of the tail. If the eye caps did not shed off, your snakes eye(s) will have a foggy silver look to them. To help the snake shed off those last few bits of skin, you can try soaking it in a luke warm/cool bath for a half hour or so. Then gently dabbing it with a warm damp cloth. Placing the snake in a damp cloth bag for awhile sometimes helps also. Some people have had luck dabbing the eye's with a cotton swab that's been moistened with baby oil. If you cannot get the eye cap(s) off, I wouldn't worry too much, and pay extra attention to the humidity level and the hydration of the snake through it's next shed cycle. Most likely the eye caps will come off with the following slough
I agree with mystic star about the whole shedding process. To answer your other questions...I would not hold him if he is in the process/stages of shedding, especially while his eyes are cloudy looking. I don't think your python will get aggressive if you don't hold him for a while. I have one and he doesn't seem to mind me picking him up after a long time without being handled. Make sure to have a large bowl or something similar of water around when he is about to shed so that he can have the proper moisture levels to shed completely. I have a section of my tank partitioned off, so that there is a "pond" for him to swim in all the time if he wishes, that way he knows where the water is when it is time for him to shed.
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