Sand Boa Shed/Feeding ?

BP_okay · 05-08-09, 09:24 PM

Hi there,

So something new happened today with my sand boa's eye. It's about time for his shed, but only one of his eyes is clouded. The other seems pretty bright. Usually both of them cloud at the same time. Have any of your snakes ever done that before a shed? Also, I usually feed every other Saturday night, and he'll only take live, so I was thinking it would probably best to skip tomorrow's feeding as he is basically half blind right now, and he either won't feed or he'll be freaked out by the mouse since he can't see well. What do you guys think? I am still a newbie, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,
Traci

Chu'Wuti · 05-08-09, 10:20 PM

I've never had that happen, Traci, and I'm wondering if something besides or in addition to an upcoming shed is going on. It is likely that he won't eat, though, as his strike accuracy may be affected by the clouding. Let's keep an eye on that eye, though, to make sure it's just a shed beginning.

BP_okay · 05-09-09, 10:19 AM

Thanks Sandy,

I really appreciate the quick response! That eyecap didn't come off with his first shed, but did come off with the second one, so I figured it was nothing to worry about. I'll keep an eye on it, and keep you updated. Thanks for the advice on the feeding. No feeding tonight. Hopefully it's just shedding and he'll get a nice meal after that.

Have a great Saturday,
Traci

Off to a productive study session

Chu'Wuti · 05-10-09, 08:00 AM

Since you've had a bit of trouble with the shedding in the past, increase the humidity some more to help with this one. Good luck!

Quote:

Off to a productive study session

Me, too! Two days to go . . .

BP_okay · 05-10-09, 10:44 AM

It seems like last night, the other eye was starting to cloud up(not too much), but I am still going to check on it tonight to see any progress. In addition to a larger water bowl, I think I may switch it out, as I built a humidity box for him. Hopefully that helps

As always, thanks for the help Sandy, and Happy Mother's Day!

Traci

Chu'Wuti · 05-10-09, 06:10 PM

Why, thank you, Traci! Two of my three sons have come by or called (two are too far away to come by). The third will probably call sometime this evening; I imagine he & his DW are visiting her mother, as they all live in the same city.

and I got a really cute e-card from grandchildren. Also, the day started off with a wonderful breakfast of fruit crepes by my DH the great chef!

BP_okay · 05-10-09, 08:38 PM

Ahh...you are soooo welcome. It sounds like you have a great family!

All boys huh? They must have loved growing up in your house, being filled with alll kinds of herps.

Ooh la la! A husband who makes crepes for breakfast - you are one lucky gal. Glad to hear it was a nice day.

Chu'Wuti · 05-11-09, 09:33 AM

I am indeed a lucky gal!!!!!!

Yep, all boys for me. It's something about my genes from my dad, I guess--his family was boys, boys, boys, for six generations--until me--I was the only girl born in seven generations. Even his three brothers only had sons.

At least I get to share a daughter--sort of--with my husband. Between us, we have six--5 boys, 1 girl--but they're all grown up. However, she has been very good to me--she's the one who helped our grandchildren send me a mother's day e-card!

My three guys grew up with herps, dogs, cats, birds, insects, fish . . . we hatched baby slugs from eggs my oldest found when exploring under our house, and they caught a gravid crayfish and we kept her until her babies hatched and had grown some . . . wonderful life!

BP_okay · 05-11-09, 08:53 PM

Of course, the girl would be the only one to coordinate the e-card from the grandkids. Women are just better at that sort of thing. I have to remind my husband every year to call his mother for Mother's Day.

Just a little update, I am still watching that eye on my sand boa. It seems like the clearer eye has started to cloud, but just slightly. There is a definite differene between the 2 regarding clarity. He is starting to rub his face on the tank walls, so I suppose a shed is definitely coming, but that one eye being cloudier is so strange. Like you said, I am keeping the humidity levels up to around 40-45% and just taking him out for a minute every night to take a good look at his eyes. Only time will tell I suppose.

Chu'Wuti · 05-13-09, 02:58 AM

Well, we'll just have to be patient until he sheds, won't we? Here's hoping that the shed is a good one and the eyes both look perfect afterwards!

Kmef07 · 05-13-09, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Of course, the girl would be the only one to coordinate the e-card from the grandkids. Women are just better at that sort of thing. I have to remind my husband every year to call his mother for Mother's Day.

Hey now The only help i needed for mothers day was to make my sister pick out a top for my girlfriend from my son. and took the gf out to a really nice hibachi grill for dinner for my son. (he didn't get to come though lol) but then for my mom we went out for dinner the next night too. my sister, the girl, forgot all about mothers day until i asked her to pick out a top for my gf the day before. some of us guys are good at remembering.

Chu'Wuti · 05-15-09, 07:46 AM

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some of us guys are good at remembering.

Good for you, Kyle! You're a very wise man!

Wish my oldest son had been as wise--he texted "Happy Mother's Day" from his wife's phone. I thanked her for covering for him, so he texted "No, that was me, not Tracy!" I texted back, "It would be nice to have a phone call." and that's the last I've heard.

I'm going to assume he was having a bad day for some reason . . .

Kmef07 · 05-15-09, 09:21 AM

Ya everyone is entitled to a bad day. That is cool that you text your kids though. I can't get my mom off prepaid it sucks!!

BP_okay · 05-15-09, 10:45 AM

Kmef07, You sound like a great son and boyfirend! You stand above the others in you gender. I guess I am just a bit btter bc my mdh has to ask when Valentine's Day is every year. Ahhh..

BP_okay · 05-15-09, 10:48 AM

Sandy, thanks for the kind words...still no shedding or yawning yet. I am just trying to be patient and not worry too much. I did ask a reptile zoologist online and he said that he had seen the same thing before in some his snakes. At least that's a relief. Btw, Fluffy had his first shed! And it was perfect!!!