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View Full Version : Shedding Question??


chydro
04-19-11, 03:41 AM
is there a certain period when snakes shed, or is it at random times?

btw if it matters on breed i have a mexican black kingsnake

Lankyrob
04-19-11, 04:59 AM
When they are younger they shed more often as they are growing quicker, they will also shed more often to repair injured scales or if they have mites. Generally you will notice a pattern tho. My corns are shedding approximately 5 weekly over the last year.

SnakeyJay
04-19-11, 06:27 AM
It all depends on the growth rate...in the first few years they will shed alot faster.. Also this directly relates to the feeding schedual.

stephanbakir
04-19-11, 08:33 AM
After a few weeks they get tired of their old clothes and want to wear something new.

SnakeyJay
04-19-11, 10:25 AM
After a few weeks they get tired of their old clothes and want to wear something new.

Lol...kids eh!

stephanbakir
04-19-11, 11:45 AM
Couldn't help it lol:P

sch1sm
04-19-11, 12:01 PM
I have found that while my snakes have been growing they have without exception shed when there food size changed.
I would say dont expect a pattern but shedding means growing so its all good

chydro
04-20-11, 12:49 AM
well i think hes starting to shed i found some skin in his tank like a piece the size of a fingernail

SnakeyJay
04-20-11, 03:31 AM
Just the one piece of skin?

Lankyrob
04-20-11, 08:16 AM
He should really shed all in one piece, unless the snake scags it on some decoration and it rips but even then it should be two large pieces.

Marica
04-20-11, 01:18 PM
Have a dig around his cage, you may find more or hopefully a fuller piece of shed under the substrate or in a hide.

I always look over an incomplete shed to make sure the eye caps were shed, which if not can lead to infection, and I also make sure there's no shed around their tail as this can cut off circulation.

Your humidity may be too low if your snake is not shedding in full. You can bump it up by providing a moist hide (a plastic tub with some damp moss, paper towel, towel, etc.) that he can retreat into, mist the cage frequently, cover the tank with a damp towel, etc.

If your snake is having a difficult time once the shedding process has started, you can place them in a secure plastic tub with 1/2-1" of warm water and a wet towel for a half hour or so and they should be able to work the rest of themselves.

Good luck and I want to see more pics once he's shed.

DeesBalls
04-20-11, 01:55 PM
just depends like everyone said, it seems my BRB sheds every 3 weeks or so. ( shes getting BIG) and my oldest BP shes like once every 2 montsh lol.