scale issues (i think)

sorry guys, i know this is probably a total noob question but we're a little worried about our new snow.

i rescued this guy from some hippies about a week ago(no offense hippies). he was in the middle of a shed.



here's what we're worried about:



it looks like a chunk(scale?) is missing right on top of his head.

there also seems to be something going on here (sorry, this was the best pic i could get) looks/feels like a scab.



thanks guys

btw - great forum

I've seen snakes with missing scales on the head that have no health issues. Just a bad shed, probably. Also, if there is a scab, it's most likely best to leave it alone and it should slough off with the next shed. Someone with more experience can tell you for sure what to do/not to do, however. Also, if he's still got pieces stuff, I would put him in a container with air holes, fill with about an inch or so of warm water (use a thermometer, NOT your hand), and a dish/hand towel. Then just let the little snakeling weave in and around the towel and the rest of the shed should come off pretty easily.

Welcome to the forum and nice little Snow you have! :}

thanks jlindp. how long should we let him be in the container w/water?

I'd start with just 30 minutes to start. Make sure to have a lid or that the container will be too big for the snake to get out of if you don't plan on supervising. (I'd probably supervise!) If there's still some shed stuck, another 20-30 minutes should do. :}