The Backyard Zoo

by Jim Dunlap

"Unshed Eye Cap"

Telephone conversations sometimes prompt me to issue a few Proper Pet Care comments. After hearing this more than once and then learning of the horrific and expensive consequences, I will give you my advice.

"Dunlap’s Top Ten Procedures You, Or A Stranger You Just Met, Must Never Use To Remove An Unshed Eye Cap From A Snake."

1. Attach an alligator clip to a loose flake of the eye cap, using a string, tie the clip to a door, and then yell, "Come in!"

2. Attempt to file away the cap with a wood rasp.

3. Leave it saying, "My snake wears contacts."

4. Use eye drops that contain the ingredient hydrogen chloride.

5. Attempt to "pop" it like a zit.

6. Remove the cap with a medium length Ginsu.

7. Cover eye caps with double-stick tape, with your best speaking voice say, "One quick pull," and then yell "Right off!"

8. Use mechanical devices with the brand name "Black and Decker."

9. Try anything involving fireworks.

10. Call the Ray-Ban Company saying, "Boy do I have an idea for you!"

The owner of a ball python noticed that after a seemingly normal shed, the snake's eye caps did not come off. She then returned the snake to the local pet shop where it was purchased and asked for advice. Believe it or not, the pet shop person actually used one of these ten methods. The pet owner rushed the snake to an emergency animal clinic where both the eyes had to be removed.

There are many causes of a dry shed and definite ways to remove those eye caps. Space here does not allow the details, but if you need the information, email me at jdunlap@pisd.edu or call Tammy, office manager extraordinare, at 469-752-1193.

The snake in the photo, One-eyed Willie, was the victim of some more bad advice when he was fed a live mouse. The mouse took offense at being grabbed and squeezed so he bit the snake's eye out. No matter what the pet shop guy tells you, do not feed your pet snake live prey.

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