New member! Need advice :)

Tierra24 · 02-24-17, 08:07 PM

Hi everyone, i'm new here, I have a beautiful 4 1/2 year old corn snake named Crowley! I came here searching for advice as Crowley's skin/scales are looking dry, and some scales are even looking like they're about to flake off. I do notice him rubbing against things, as if he itches (I imagine he is...). His enclosure is very clean, his humidity is around 50, and his basking side is around 85-90. I don't see any discoloration under the scales where they are flaking up, it's just pink. He's very active, eats well, and does everything normal. I'd post pictures, but since i'm new, i'm not able to just yet. Does anyone have any advice or any idea of what this might be? I feel so terrible for my little man. Thanks!!

Kathryntheclean · 02-25-17, 12:39 PM

I am far from an expert, as I just got a baby corn snake a little over a week ago. But, prior to that I litteraly read everything on the internet about snakes. It sounds like your little darling is getting ready to shed. They get itchy, I've heard, during this time. They also might refuse to eat. Just make sure you have a water dish your snake can soak in, as that helps aid in his shedding.

Kathryntheclean · 02-25-17, 12:41 PM

Oh, and hello and welcome to the forum. The people online here are incredibly knowledgeable on all things snake!

Ebolling · 02-25-17, 12:41 PM

Love the name

, and I to believe that he's starting to shed . may want to give his cage a spray down if its coming off in little pieces

saturnascends · 02-26-17, 04:35 PM

Hello, I am new too. I have no advice to offer, but wanted to say I agree that Crowley is a great name!

afsgr88 · 02-26-17, 05:15 PM

Hi Tierra24, and welcome

It really sounds like your little guy is trying to shed. Have you noticed his eyes getting cloudy or his colors fading? I would probably rise his humidity a bit, or giving a humid hide spot so he can choose. Make sure you have something rough (background, wood, etc) for him to rub on. If you see he keeps being dry, soak him in warm water for a while.

I am sure other people here will give you more advice, or maybe advise a vet, if they think it's something else than shedding.

Good luck

dave himself · 02-27-17, 02:27 AM

Hi and welcome

**EL Ziggy** · 02-27-17, 10:28 AM

Welcome and best wishes Tierra. I agree that it sounds like your snake is prepping for a shed. He should get dull and cloudy for a few days, then he'll clear up, and he should shed a few days after that. The whole process takes roughly 7-14 days. Just make sure he has fresh water and something rough to rub against when he sheds the old skin.