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Shedding question

C

chag67

New member
I think my little guy may be ready to start shedding. After his feeding today, his eyes were looking a bit greyish today. I hope he doesn't shed over Christmas. I'm sure it is best to leave them alone when they are shedding. Is it harmful to the snake to handle him while shedding. My son will have a hard time not being able to hold him if he is shedding over Christmas.
 
You can tell when a shed is around. They generally dull and their eyes become cloudy then blue then clear.

It is recommended to not handle until the shed is complete. It is a stressful situation for a snake and they should be left alone.

So I'd leave the little one alone.
-Skully-
 
I don't think you have much to worry about. As long as you give him 2-3 days to digest undisturbed. The snake will not be harmed by a quick handling session while in shed. Don't make a big deal about it. A short handling to show someone shouldn't be a problem.
 
yeah, I think a quick handling while in blue should be safe. just make sure to watch the snake for signs of stress, that way he can quickly be put back home.

But over all I think it will be fine, I have handled Sirius while in full blue once, and he was just as calm as ever. He's a sweetheart though. :-$
 
My guy is calm for about a minute right now. And then all he wants to do is get down and explore or get away.
 
I'm a first-time snake owner, had mine two weeks before he went blue. I hadn't held him much before that, so didn't really know his personality at the time.

I didn't feed him during those 11 days, but did hold him almost every day during. He was calm and didn't seem to mind it, explored, moved around, stuff like that.

It was only after he shed that I saw how he normally is. He was moving quicker and was generally more alert. I felt really bad about holding him so much while he was in blue, he must not have felt very good. The behavior difference between "in blue" and "not in blue" was really noticeable. Poor guy!

In my very limited experience, my own snake would probably appreciate not being handled while in the shedding phase and I won't hold him again during that time. Lesson learned.
 
You should not handle the snake for 2-3 days after feeding. You could cause a regurge. Feeding while blue can sometimes cause a regurge also.
 
Yeah. I know not to handle him 48-72 hrs after feeding. I was just wondering about shedding. The next few days shall be interesting with Christmas and him being a present. Most of the handling with the little kids will be Christmas evening and the next day which will be well past 72 hrs from his feeding today. I plan on feeding him again on the 27th. The kids should enjoy watching that. Then he will be in watch only mode (if they can see him in his hide).
 
When snakes are in blue, they can't see. Some stress over being handled and moved. So the situation isn't "fine" but can happen. General guidelines are not to handle during a shed and not to handle a snake 2-3 days after a feed.

It would be uncomfortable for someone to grab you while you're about to shed old skin. You don't know if it is irritating or itchy or uncomfortable.

Your snake might shed before Christmas, not sure.

You do what is best for your snake, not what's best for your enjoyment.
-Skully-
 
I agree Skully. I was just asking some questions about shedding so I don't irritate the little guy. I hope he doesn't shed at Christmas time but if he does, he will be in observation mode only.
 
chag67 said:
I agree Skully. I was just asking some questions about shedding so I don't irritate the little guy. I hope he doesn't shed at Christmas time but if he does, he will be in observation mode only.
Click to expand...

It's ok, you asked a good question!

If he happens to be in the middle of shedding, yes only look. After he has completely removed the skin, go ahead and handle for a few minutes.
 
On average how often does a corn snake shed, he is about 4 months old now and the pet store said he has she'd once about a month ago, while in their care.
 
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