Not shedding?

[EmilyS]

I've had my baby corn snake for over two months now, about a month and a half, and it's yet to shed. I also see no evidence that it's about to. This isn't normal is it? How often are they supposed to shed? (sorry, this is my first snake- I'm still learning!)

I've only just gotten him to eat a week ago, could that have anything to do with it?

Is there anything I can/should do?

[Lankyrob]

How old is it?

[EmilyS]

It's pretty young, I got it from my teacher about 2 1/2 months ago; she got it from a student who had no idea what to do with it, so I offered to take it. So I'm not sure on exact age.

Here's a picture (that's a dime):

[Gungirl]

Most likely it hasn't shed due to having no food. Get it eating and it will shed for you soon.

[Lankyrob]

What conditions do you keep it in? Tho i agree with Kat that onceit starts eating things will progress :)

[EmilyS]

It's in a 20 gallon long with a few different hides. Cool side at 75, warm side at 90. I think I'm doing everything right environment-wise, so it must just be the lack of food. Thanks guys!

[shaunyboy]

imo once it's eating regular and grows,it will shed soon enough

cheers shaun

[Aleks]

I think 20 gallon is to big to start some baby corns... ill get u a pic of what I put my babys in....

[Lankyrob]

I think 20 gallon is to big to start some baby corns... ill get u a pic of what I put my babys in....

I put my babies straight into a 3 ft vivarium with no issues, just gave them LOTS of cover to hide in and they have always eaten and shed without a problem :)

[Gungirl]

I had a baby corn in a 40 gallon with no issues, besides how freaking hard it was to try and find him.. lol

[Aleks]

I can even go smaller then that when there new born.... and I only use scoot for substract at that age.. a lot more easy to clean... sorry for 2nd picture... didn't clean it up first!

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s466/Aleks_Houle/divers/Room%20et%20accessoir/DSC_0035_zps574e3113.jpg

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s466/Aleks_Houle/divers/Room%20et%20accessoir/DSC_0036_zpsdca48f87.jpg

[Aleks]

and I go bigger after....

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s466/Aleks_Houle/divers/Room%20et%20accessoir/DSC_0040_zps0f8dc06c.jpg

[CanadianEryx]

Hope your corn eats for you and grows. As it grows, it sheds: pretty simple as long as all the conditions are met and you have a healthy snake. Good luck!!!

[Aleks]

I put my babies straight into a 3 ft vivarium with no issues, just gave them LOTS of cover to hide in and they have always eaten and shed without a problem :)

I have some 300 gramm corn that I still have to put in a feeding tub to make them eat.... if there not stuck near the food... they just wont go for it....

[CanadianEryx]

My Kenyan Sand Boa is the same way--needs to be confined with its food. He also needs me to make the dead mouse move and attack in order for him to "go" for the food in the first place!

[EmilyS]

Well, I think I've got him figured out! He just ate his second pinkie; live, but I'm hoping once he's on a schedule I can switch him back to f/t

I'm sure he'll shed soon enough!

[Aleks]

just be sure to switch before he gets to fuzzy... fuzzy are able to defend them self and can hurt a young snake

[Aleks]

if u cant go to frozen.. at lease kill them before giving them to him

[EmilyS]

The pinkies still look a little big for him, so I'm hoping I've still got a little time before he's onto fuzzies!

Good news- his eyes started getting cloudy today, so I'm hoping he'll be shedding soon! I just wish I'd have noticed BEFORE I went out and got him his weekly pinkie.

[rmfsnakes32]

Still offer the pinky anyways many of my baby corns eat while in shed

[EmilyS]

Still offer the pinky anyways many of my baby corns eat while in shed

What.

I euthanized xD

[EmbraceCalamity]

What.

I euthanized xDWhat did you euthanise? o___o

~Maggot

[EmilyS]

The corn, is that bad??

Just kidding! The pinkie of course!

[Lankyrob]

Over time you will learn whether your snake will eat during shed, most of mine will so i still offer food (and if one doesnt eat then another will have a "treat")

[EmilyS]

Ah, I did not know this :)

Thanks guys!

[EmilyS]

Does anybody happen to have pictures of their snakes right before they shed?

Turns out I was seeing things last time when I thought his eyes were cloudy, but I noticed today that his skin was getting all crumply and a little flakey. I'm concerned that his shed may be stuck, but I could be wrong, as this is my first time dealing with a shedding snake. I might be able to get a picture up tonight.

Any help is much appreciated!

[CanadianEryx]

Do you have a humid hide in your habitat? This can really help if your snake's shed is "stuck."

[EmilyS]

I'm still new to snakes, so I wouldn't know how to make one, could you explain? I do have a screen lid, though, so that'll end up making it less humid, right?

[Aaron_S]

Do me a favour, get a pillowcase. Soak it in warm water. Place snake in the pillowcase and tie it tightly. Place it in the enclosure and leave it for 20 minutes. It should have finished or got a really good start to it's stuck shed.

Next time you notice it, dump a bunch of water from the water bowl on the hot side. It'll help raise the temps in addition to a full water bowl. Once it sheds then clean it up so the snake isn't subjected to prolonged wetness.

[EmilyS]

Thanks! I knew I had to do something like that, I just wasn't sure how to go about it.

[EmilyS]

Getting there!

[EmilyS]

So, that's about all that's come off, and I've put him in the pillow case 3 times now, for 20-30 minutes each time. Should I dump the water bowl? (And would I need to put a towel over the tank to prevent it from evaporating? I have a screen top) How would I clean it up when I need to?

[Aaron_S]

Well then I recommend soaking the snake.
Soak a face cloth too. After 10ish minutes of soaking the snake, have the snake slither through your hands in which your holding the cloth firmly. Hopefully that'll help. I find those tips to be the best.

[EmilyS]

Thanks Aaron, you're awesome!

I soaked him in a tupperware with a small cloth inside for something for him to hold onto. After about 20-30 minutes, took him out and gently rubbed him with the cloth, and the shed came off after about 30-45 minutes of rubbing (I didn't want to hurt him).

Pictures of the pretty boy (or girl...): the first is him inside the tupperware, giving me a look like, "I thought you loved me!" Next two are after the shed :)

[EmilyS]

Hey :D So his eyes are getting cloudy again, should I dump the water dish and cover the tank with something to help keep the humidity in?

[Aaron_S]

Sure. Just remember to give it a good clean afterwards so there's not so much water after. Don't forget to refill the bowl too! Double up the water content.

[EmilyS]

Thanks!

It's about time to clean the bedding anyways, so I'll do that after he sheds, and make sure to get all the water out.

On a side note- he's finally gotten onto a feeding schedule; I've been feeding him once a week, and he's started eating every time now! Better yet, I've finally gotten him back on f/t pinkies, rather than live!

[Aaron_S]

Good to hear. Patience is a huge asset with reptiles.

[EmilyS]

Good to hear. Patience is a huge asset with reptiles.

I'm definitely learning that!! Last time he shed it took me a good hour (at least) to help him out of his skin....... maybe it's just because I'm a beginner xD I really hope it's easier this time around, but will be ready if it's not!

[EmilyS]

Guess who shed in one piece :D

[Bloedig]

This is a great thread for us beginners Emily! My Hondo Milk has yet to shed while I have had him, so this info gives me good advise to fall back on.

[Aaron_S]

I'm glad to hear it.