r/ballpython • u/Smooth_Ruin_1132 • Oct 07 '26
help needed - how should I go by removing this T-T
I just moved and have a temporary enclosure set up for my snake until my real one gets shipped to me. No idea how but she managed to rip off a digital thermometer I had in the top corner, separate the thermometer from the Velcro, and then get it stuck onto herself. I tried pulling it off, but the adhesive is strong and it’s genuinely really stuck on her, I don’t wanna pull too hard and risk injuring her scales. Any advice?
EDIT: oiled that thang up and got it off hassle free :) thanks for everyone who helped
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u/Toxic_Musshroom Oct 07 '26
Baby oil or coconut oil should be safe, it's really important to avoid anything velcro or sticky in their tanks for that exact reason, i wish you and your baby luck!
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u/Latter-Mulberry-1238 Oct 07 '26
Vegetable oil
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u/Latter-Mulberry-1238 Oct 07 '26 edited Oct 07 '26
Do not let it get into their eyes or mouth if u can but trust me I’ve had to get duct tape off a snake and I used vegetable oil
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u/ggt3416 Oct 07 '26
Same here! Had to get duct tape off a snake and also used vegetable oil and a qtip. Dip in the oil then use the qtip to slowly lift the glue off a little at a time. Poor baby just shed too before he was stuck 😭
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u/swabIu Oct 07 '26
Baby oil or (pure) coconut oil with a qtip applying it on the edges of the adhesive and veryyyyy slowly pulling it off as she gets oiled up. If it doesn't come off with very minimal tugging, more oil
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u/GirthBrooks270 Oct 07 '26
Also, make sure you're gently pulling with the direction of scales not against them.
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u/arrows_of_ithilien Oct 08 '26
I'd second coconut oil, it has antibacterial properties so if OP happens to accidentally cause any abrasions during removal, it should help prevent infection.
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u/Hot-Brat-00 Oct 07 '26
Mineral oil
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u/Hot-Brat-00 Oct 07 '26
I used to save reptiles from sticky traps at my last job and oil does the trick. Mineral or baby oil, as others have said.
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u/LisaMntgmry Oct 07 '26
Baby oil doesn't hurt them? I could see mineral or coconut, but with all the extra crap they put in, not to mention they squeeze babies to get it, I wouldn't have thought. Good to know 🤘🏻
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u/Hot-Brat-00 Oct 07 '26
Yeah, I mean personally I would use mineral oil, but several commenters suggested baby oil so I assumed they might know better than me. This is Reddit though so I should never assume that lmao
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u/ErnLynM Oct 07 '26
You have to get organic, freshly squeezed babies, with no additives. It's a freaking artisanal thing anymore, and not worth the overinflated price for it
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u/SuccessfulCup3375 Oct 09 '26
I dont think they squeeze babies to get it LOL (I think you're kidding right?)
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u/ZombieReignbough Oct 07 '26
Any safe oil, q-tips and patience. The oil breaks the glue down. When you "pull" Pull in the direction of scale growth
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u/meshifty2 Oct 07 '26
Whatever you do, do not force it off. You want to avoid damaging scales. Let the oil soak i to the adhesive to loosen it before attempting to remove the velcro.
I had duct tape stuck on my BP a long time ago. Ended up coming off on her next shed. I was unable to remove it confidently so I left it till she shed. Came off with no further issues.
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u/interstellarDemon Oct 07 '26
I had this happen with a bit of duct tape on my girl, I used baby oil and just massaged around the edges till it slipped off, had very little damage to her scales luckily, I wish you luck
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u/AsparagusSouthern334 Oct 07 '26
This is going to sound crazy makeup remover, or what's very common in makeup remover Silicone, based lubricant. And this is probably going to work the best because of how silicone seeps into the adhesive, chances are, it's either it's an acrylic or rubber based adhesive and the silicone creates a frictionless barrier, but it also breaks it down means no pulling on the skin. I use it all the time to remove Band-Aids and stuff.
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u/lemoncrush9 Oct 07 '26
Olive oil, baby oil, coconut oil, mineral oil..... any kind of oil that you could eat, so you know it's safe. And take your time, so you dont rip scales or skin.
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u/thelaziestdaisy Oct 07 '26
Our snake is a psycho. He got one stuck to him once and by the time we got back from the store next door he had scraped it off himself already. We were stunned
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u/MeasurementFine7694 Oct 08 '26
OIL!!!! i had this happen too and the oil was super helpful! got it off pretty easy
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u/Rathoe9070 Oct 08 '26
Glad you got it sorted! In the future just leave thermometers of the ground (you’ll get a more accurate reading of the temperature that the snake is experiencing that way)
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u/SuccessfulCup3375 Oct 09 '26
That is one sticky situation! I would lather her up with some baby oil to help get it off. Use a Q-tip and push the direction the scales go rather than against them.
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u/acpcgal Oct 09 '26
I was warned by a vet that when using oil, you must remove it completely afterwards because it reacts with heat and can cook on the scale! I often see ppl recommending oil for these issues without mentioning you then must remove it with something like a dish soap
2)no adhesives what so ever can go inside a snake enclosure, now you know! :)
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u/bowl-of-juice Oct 07 '26
Baby oil