Shedding Albino question

[Kathryntheclean]

Okay, Alex is our albino corn snake. He's about 4 months old according to the vet. He just went through his first shed with us. He did a complete shed. Question: how was I supposed to know he was ready to shed? I'm assuming Albino's don't get blue eyes as a sign, as Alex did not. The only sign we had was a very subtle ashy look to his skin. But it was my 13 year old daughter who noticed that, not me. Is there any other way I can readily tell that he's about to shed? I'd rather not be surprised by anything and I'm sure he needs peace and quiet for this process.

[afsgr88]

Shedding signs are tough to see in albinos, that's true. I believe the ones you can rely on is the color fading, like you said, and the pink belly. Even though this last one is not visible in all species, I believe.

I also think that the longer Alex is with you, the better you will get in reading his pre-shedding behavior (hiding in humid hides, rubbing, etc).

Hope it helped a little

[Kathryntheclean]

Thanks, Ana. Yes, that helps tremendously. I just worried because everyone says blue eyes are noticeable, but Alex had none. I assumed it was his albino trait.

[afsgr88]

Originally Posted by Kathryntheclean

Thanks, Ana. Yes, that helps tremendously. I just worried because everyone says blue eyes are noticeable, but Alex had none. I assumed it was his albino trait.

No need to worry. Most albinos don't go into a blue colour,* but pink, actually. The blue colour on the eyes prior to a shed is caused by a fluid produced between the old skin and the new skin beneath. Since albinos lack melanin, the fluid gives them a pinky colour. Freaky stuff

[Kathryntheclean]

Wow. I learn something new every day. Snakes are sooooo cool!

[EL Ziggy]

Ana's right, it's tough to tell in the beginning when they're prepping to shed. My albino snakes get duller than normal but the pink belly and increased hiding and inactivity are my biggest clues.

[Kathryntheclean]

Ok. I wondered why he was under the paper towels so much. That explains it.

[ThirteenRavens]

I'm sure your question has already been answered, but thought I would chime in ^-^

I have a snow stripe cornsnake and I can almost never tell when she's getting ready to shed...I usually accidently end up feeding her and find a fresh shed in her viv the next day

I've only been able to tell a couple times and she turns a duller shade of white/pink and her pink eyes are a little less so if that makes sense lol.

[Kathryntheclean]

Is it bad to feed them if they're ready to shed?

[ThirteenRavens]

Some people do, others don't...I don't intentionally do it, and if I do it's only her as I have a hard time telling. She hasn't seemed effected by it but others have had problems with their snakes.

[Kathryntheclean]

Interesting.. Alex was really hungry and didn't regurgitate or anything. Does it unnecessarily stress them out or something?

[Andy_G]

It can cause problems during the shedding process. Sometimes if a snake has a good sized meal they can have issues shedding past the lump and will regurgitate as a result...plus a full snake doesn't usually want to move around and they have to do this to shed so it's got to be uncomfortable. Also, before the shed occurs the underlying skin can be quite soft and if a snake constricts prey even if dead it can cause some superficial damage to the new skin underneath (of course, not with pinkie or fuzzie mice) I haven't had this happen but know of those who have. I've always skipped feeding snakes that are in shed because it's an easy way to add a slight amount of variety in how often they are fed, plus the unnecessary stress and the possibility of wasting food items if they don't eat.

[Kathryntheclean]

So, then when noticing a shed that's coming on, how long should I hold off on a feeding?

[Andy_G]

Until the snake has shed would be my recommendation.

[Kathryntheclean]

Alrighty. Will try that next time. Many thanks!