temperment due to shedding...

[JAdkins2451]

Last night I went to take my 6month old out. And He gave me a shallow hiss. i noticed after thatv his skin is a little lighter then normal. Could this be he is starting to shed. And could that be why he didnt want me to take hime out. Also how often should I expect a shed. sorry for all the questions.

[Linds]

It isn't abnormal for them to be a bit cranky during their shed period. They are virtually blind, and it may be uncomfortable. All this leaves them feeling quite vulnerable.

Generally they stay 'opaque' for 2-4 days, and then they clear up again (they will look VERY dull in this stage), and within the next 2-4 days they should shed. Try not to handle them much when they clear up, as the layer of skin has no seperated from the snake (hence the baggy look) and is at risk of being broken. If it is broken, the necessary fluids that have built up underneath will escape, and your snake will not shed properly.

As for frequency, that varies from individual to individual, as well as other factors such as growth rate and age come in to play.

[JAdkins2451]

Thanks for the info linds.