Hungry or in shed ?

[mattchibi]

I suspected my normal girl to be in shed a week ago, because she had an exceptionally pink belly. (I have a thermostat on my UTH so it couldnt have been a burn, as I keep it at 92 tops) However, I have taken her out two or three times to check on her, but never noticed blue or cloudy eyes. I noticed when bp's are entering the shed phase, they will be very reluctant to come of their hide.

When I went to pick her up those three times, she balled up a lot more than usual, making me think that she was definitely in shed. I havent handled her much at all and therefore havent gotten a good look at her eyes. Its been about 12 days since I saw signs of pink belly, and she looks completely normal right now. Never during those 12 days did I see blue eyes though. Does this mean she isnt actually about to shed? Her last shed was end of September, so I thought it was a bit soon for her to shed again.

The reason I am asking is because she has been roaming around a lot more than usual since Monday, and I usually feed her on Sunday nights. Husbandry is spot on btw. I decided to skip her meal this Sunday because I thought she was in shed. I am starting to think she isnt in shed at all, (isnt and didnt show blue eyes at all as far as i could see). She's carousing freely around her tank right now (and shes been soaking a lot in her water bowl), but Im thinking maybe shes just hungry. Should I try and feed tonight?

Another reason I thought she might be in shed is because I noticed a blueish tinge all over her body the other day. But I have now confirmed that the body doesnt turn blue at all during shed, and it only looked blue in a certain lighting because their scales are actually iridescent! How neat

[alessia55]

I'd say go ahead and feed her- my bp's eat even when they're in full shed.

I can't tell you with any certainty whether or not Morticia is going to shed soon or not. Personally, my adult bp Kaybe will have a pink belly and look normal for about a week, then get the "blue" eyes for a few days, then go normal for a few days, and then shed. The whole thing can take a week or two. On the other had, my baby bp Pika looks dull and 2 days later he's already shed. Some just have different rates for shedding. And like you, mine also have spot on husbandry.

I wouldn't worry about it too much really. Offer her food and see if she'll eat- she might be hungry Keep us posted & Good luck

[snake man12]

My ball python does this too its like she's telling me to feed her

[infernalis]

Mine eats, shed or no shed. Kane likes rats and does not seem to care when.

[mattchibi]

Well she was hungry. Decided to record the feeding, was too lazy to sit there and watch her down the whole thing though. She always has a lightning quick feeding response like this, i fed her her first small rat tonight, she was on rat pups until now.

Shes a 3 year old rescue, barely 31 inches and extremely small for her age. Shes got an amazing temperment and I love that she eats so easily.

Watch & enjoy:
Morticia Eating.m4v - YouTube

[shaunyboy]

i would feed it

the increased activity could also be because its the begining of breeding season

cheers shaun

[alessia55]

Saw the video- glad she ate for you! About feeding her on a paper towel though......

Feeding On Paper Towels

This can be short and to the point. It's NOT a good idea!

As much credit as we give our animals for being intelligent, the fact is, their brains are TINY! They operate mostly off of instinct. Sometimes when feeding your snake, their teeth can get caught on the paper towel, or the rodent can get wrapped up in it, and they can swallow the paper towel too. This ends in three ways:

They pass the paper towel. I've heard of this happening before, but I've never seen proof that satisfied me.
The snake regurgitates the paper towel and then either lives, or dies.
The snake does not pass, nor regurgitate the paper towel and then dies.

Need proof? You know it's coming!


*Image used with permission*

This poor boa didn't make it. So, don't feed on paper towels!

From: Deviant Constrictors