Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So, I've posted once or twice about my leucy ratsnake, Worm...who has not shed in three months. He's eating like a pig, acts alert, active and healthy when held, and has obviously grown some in the past three months. His skin has been dullish for some time, and I noticed a tiny peeling spot on his head a couple weeks back. I was told to try soaking him, and to provide him with a moist hide...I did both...he still has the moist hide, and I soaked him again two days ago. Tonight I noticed some discoloration on his head. In the pics you'll see an almost brownish/yellow tint in places...as well as a strange texture on the top of his head. Does this just mean he'll shed soon...is it something I should be worried about? Is there anything I should be doing other than what I have allready done? Should I take him to the vet? Am I just being paranoid? He's acting totally healthy otherwise...so it's probably nothing...but he's the sweetest snake ever, and I don't want to see anything happen to him.

Thanks.

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- JENN ROSE -
www.jennrose.com

0.1.0 classic corn~ "Pumpkin"
1.0.0 leucistic texas ratsnake~ "Worm"

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. I would make sure that he had a dish of water that he can soak his whole body in if he wants.

I don't have any idea if there is anything a vet could do for him at this point. Have you called a snake Vet to see if he or she thinks you should bring him in? I think that would be a prudent thing to do at this point since you are so worried about him.

Best of luck,

Rick

I have kept detailed records of my snakes over the years. I just went back and looked at shedding records...especially for my leucistic texas ratsnake. 3 months of no shed during the time of year when many ratsnakes are actually brumating was not unusual. This year my snakes took a winter "nap" (just turned the heat back on last weekend). But the past two winters most of my snakes kept eating (usually smaller meals less often) all through the winter. Sheds, however, were few and far between. Keep doing the things you KNOW you should be doing. If your temps have been a bit on the cool side (as many of ours are during the winter months even when we don't intentionally cool our snakes), maybe bring them up a few degrees. The days are getting longer. Spring is on the way. So is your leucy's next shed. Good luck and keep us posted. Duffy

Well, I took him out today to feed him...and was met by a foggy eyed little grump (who naturally wanted nothing to do with his dinner)! So, I suppose now I just feel silly for obsessing so much. But I must say I'm quite relieved.
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- JENN ROSE -
www.jennrose.com

0.1.0 classic corn~ "Pumpkin"
1.0.0 leucistic texas ratsnake~ "Worm"

He's cute, Jenn!

I wouldn't worry. They shed when they need to. My son's kingsnake hasn't shed for 3 months either, but is healthy and eating. My daughter's corn snake is growing like a weed, but still doesn't shed as often as my milk, who's growing slower, but sheds on the 11th or 12th of every month like clockwork.

Nice polish, too...

Walt

My son's king snake (Jackie) shed today (the one who went 3 months), so maybe Worm will in a day or two!

Do you have a humid hide? I could give you tips on making one. Ours love it. I think it really helps.

Walt

Actually, funny you should mention it...I went to take Worm out yesterday to feed him...and discovered that he was FINALLY in blue...and a tad grumpy at that. He gave me a head butt for the first time ever...it was pretty funny. He does have a humid hide, and a water dish large enough for him to soak in should he want too. So, I'm guessing he'll be a whole lot prettier in a week or so. But boy am I relieved...this little guy is my "perfect" snake...he's soooo amazingly mellow when held, especially considering he's a texas rat...I want more than anything to see him grow up big and beautiful.
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- JENN ROSE -
www.jennrose.com

0.1.0 classic corn~ "Pumpkin"
1.0.0 leucistic texas ratsnake~ "Worm"

Congrats!

We missed Jackie going blue, because she spent like 3-4 days straight in her humid hide under a pile of wet moss.

Funny our two slow shedders did the deed within a day or two of each other!

Walt

Even though the pics show him not having shed, Worm does look good!

Before I found your post, I was wondering how your snake was doing. Glad to find out that he's doing well (despite the shed lag).

Mac finally ate another fuzzy this week. It had been forever and a dozen or so pinkies. I'm glad that he's back on schedule.

Keep up the good work on him, JennRose!
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3 Corns - Aphrodite (Normal), Freya (Normal), Peyton (Amel)
2 Florida Kings - Thor (Axanthic Brooksi) & Lilith (Normal)
1 Leucistic Texas Rat Snake - MacLeod