How Often do they shed??

frost · 02-02-11, 12:49 AM

Hi Folks i just wanted to ask how often does a Albino Burm Shed? her last shed was last week of december... it has been over a month and still no shed or signs thereof..

please see her pic.

Ch^4 · 02-02-11, 01:07 AM

Beautiful burm you have there! I don't have a burm, but she looks fairly small, so I'd go out on a limb and say every 3-8 weeks. It depends on feed frequency/size, age, genetics, etc. My young BRB sheds every 5-6 weeks or so, but my young JCP sheds every 3 weeks.

I'd guess that you should be expecting a shed in the next 2-4 weeks. Are her colors appearing to be duller than usual? That typically happens about a week before them entering the shed cycle.

frost · 02-02-11, 03:50 AM

hi Ch4, thanks, i was getting worried there.... her color looks fine for now, no signs of shedding...

a follow-up question: do you feed them as normal when they are shedding or about to shed?

Lankyrob · 02-02-11, 04:18 AM

I offer food during shed - sometimes they take it sometimes one of the other snakes has the prey item for dessert!

frost · 02-02-11, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I offer food during shed - sometimes they take it sometimes one of the other snakes has the prey item for dessert!

thanks a lot Lankyrob! you are always one of the 1st people to answers questions...

Lankyrob · 02-02-11, 04:26 AM

lol - just happen to be online at the right time sometimes. The advantages of not being able to go out to work!

Will0W783 · 02-02-11, 09:31 AM

I too offer food during sheds. Most of my carpets, my Burm, and quite a few of my boas will eat during shed. My BP and most colubrids will not. It depends on the snake but I'd offer it anyway.

Very nice albino Burm you have there...always been a favorite of mine. I was lucky enough to get my first giant (albino Burm adult male) as a Christmas present. He's an adoption/rescue from people who really should not own any snakes IMO. He's doing well for me though and handsome. I just love the colors and patterns on the albinos.

To answer your question about shedding frequency, your girl seems pretty young, so I'd venture to guess she'll shed about once a month depending on what you are feeding her. At her age/size, I'd feed every 7-10 days, and give a meal large enough to leave a small bulge in her. If you feed every 2 weeks, make sure the prey leaves a sizable bulge. My 8'9" male eats 3 large/x-large rats every 2 weeks (f/t).

radstusky · 02-02-11, 12:10 PM

I think my young JCP is getting ready for another shed. The last time he shed was about 8 weeks ago already (December 2). So that's even longer ago than yours. I feed him once a week, and I can usually tell when he's getting ready to shed because he skips a meal, which he just did a couple days ago. He's also starting to look kinda dull.

I am also wondering if this might be temperature related. The cool portions of his cage are on the cooler side right now because it's winter. Maybe in the summer, he'll be growing faster and shedding more often.

Will0W783 · 02-02-11, 12:12 PM

Many snakes do go off feed and grow more slowly during the cooler months, if their enclosures are kept cooler. In some cases, despite close temperature regulation and light cycling, breeding-age snakes, especially males, will go off feed for the winter.

marvelfreak · 02-02-11, 02:53 PM

My Borneo Short-tail has shed a total of 4 times in the year and a half i had her. She a good healthy weight and size. Getting fatter all the time they just have a really slow metabolism. In that time she poop only 7 times. It nice because them and blood may only poop once every 3 to 4 months.

frost · 02-03-11, 12:52 AM

thanks a lot you!!! certainly took off my worry....

frost · 02-03-11, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will0W783

I too offer food during sheds. Most of my carpets, my Burm, and quite a few of my boas will eat during shed. My BP and most colubrids will not. It depends on the snake but I'd offer it anyway.

Very nice albino Burm you have there...always been a favorite of mine. I was lucky enough to get my first giant (albino Burm adult male) as a Christmas present. He's an adoption/rescue from people who really should not own any snakes IMO. He's doing well for me though and handsome. I just love the colors and patterns on the albinos.

To answer your question about shedding frequency, your girl seems pretty young, so I'd venture to guess she'll shed about once a month depending on what you are feeding her. At her age/size, I'd feed every 7-10 days, and give a meal large enough to leave a small bulge in her. If you feed every 2 weeks, make sure the prey leaves a sizable bulge. My 8'9" male eats 3 large/x-large rats every 2 weeks (f/t).

thanks Willow! this is certainly helpful. i am feeding her a large rat every 7 days.... i have also removed her heating apparatus since it is very warm here in my country. i live in philippines btw, it does not get colder than 27 degrees
all year round. now we are at aroung 30-32 degress... am and around 25-28 in the night...