feed during shed

frankadank · 05-14-17, 02:12 PM

short and sweet basically what the title says. i had a family wedding this weekend so friday and saturday i was gone all day. i misted her tank but didn't pay much attention. today is feeding day and when i go to feed her i noticed her eyes are getting cloudy. she last shed on 4-10 she's still a baby at 7 months so i wasn't sure how often they shed. i tried feeding her but she striked at the mouse and pulled back as if she's not interested. just wondering if majority of ball pythons don't eat in shed. i wouldn't have thawed a mouse if i knew she was shedding so i gave it a shot anyways. thanks guys!

Scubadiver59 · 05-14-17, 02:28 PM

Though not a Python, my Corn exhibited the same behavior the other day, but I left two pinkies just in case she changed her mind...she did, but only ate one. Better one than nothing I guess, but she's buried so often that I don't know if she's in shed or not. Only time will tell...

dannybgoode · 05-14-17, 02:48 PM

Personally I don't feed in shed. It gives the digestive system a break and it's of no issue for a snake to miss a feed every once in a while.

It's unlikely most snakes feed in the wild whilst in shed as they are quite vulnerable in this time so likely they just hide.

That said If the snake takes the food whilst in the shedding process it matters not.

trailblazer295 · 05-14-17, 03:19 PM

Mine have eaten in shed when I didn't notice they were and offered food. If I spot they are in shed I leave them alone until they are done. As danny said not a problem for a snake if they miss a meal. Typically they refuse in blue due to poor eyesight.

frankadank · 05-15-17, 03:32 PM

hmph i see. well thanks guys and i know i wouldn't plan on feeding while in shed but she caught me off guard and i was seeing if some people do try and succedd or wait.

bigsnakegirl785 · 05-15-17, 03:39 PM

Most of my snakes will refuse to eat in shed. As babies, they often will, but I've found as they age they start to refuse food. They don't need it, and if the humidity isn't high enough, their bodies will choose between shedding or digesting. This can result in regurgitation or stuck shed if bad enough. Two of my rainbows will regurge if fed during shed, but most of my snakes aren't affected. I still prefer not to feed them either, as it does give their digestive system some time off.

akane · 05-15-17, 04:07 PM

Defensive strike at a threat instead of feeding response. Especially when they are in blue and can't see. It works for most of my species to leave it sit on the ground and they will be more cautious than usual approaching it, tasting it, going over it, and then deciding to eat it. They won't take it hanging or moving as often instead of hitting it as a potential threat.