First Aid Help!!!

[Snakebit]

Hello,



I received a baby reticulated python via next day courier. Unfortunately, this snake managed to work his way out of the plastic container he was in (within a larger shipping box). It gets worse from here. He managed somehow to get a 3 inch piece of clear packing tape stuck against his skin approximately one inch away from his head.


Does anybody have any ideas of how I can safely remove this tape? It is completely stuck and running warm water between the tape and the snake's skin isn't even making the tape budge. I am afraid if I don't get the tape off this animal will refuse to eat (I can't imagine he'd be able to constrict with this tape so close to his head).



Any suggestions would be appreciated. It will be at least a couple of hours before a good herp vet will be in the office.


Thanks!!

[sho220]

I believe people have used mineral oil for this type of thing. Please confirm that this will not harm the snake before trying though. Hopefully someone with experience will chime in soon...

[Freakie_frog]

Baby oil or Peanut butter.

[Binx]

Mineral oil should do the trick.



I have a bottle on hand in case of any accedents like this.

[ErikH]

Mineral oil should do the trick. Just be careful to keep it away from his nostrils. Probably your best bet is to apply it with a Q-tip or a cotton ball.

[Snakebit]

Gang,


The tape has left the serpent. My diligent wife was able to remove the tape by cutting very small sections into the tape (where it hadn't yet fully adhered to the skin) and then running it under water. It took about three hours but the snake is no worse for the wear and from what I can tell, suffered no loss of skin. I appreciate the replies and the expertise.

Regards,

Snakebit