Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Violet, my 06 Lavander had trouble shedding her tail last time. This time she had the same trouble. I didn't help her so much last time, but this time I soaked her and kind of held the skin and let he crawl out of it. No problem - except some of the skin on the very tip of her tail came off with it. She is about 15-16 inches long and I would say 1/8 inch of skin came off. It look really raw and bled a tiny bit. SHe didn't seem to be in pain at all - more relieved to have the skin off.

Is there anything I can do to help her?

Will she be okay?

Is this my fault?

It is kind of hard to tell from the picture but snakes will sometimes retain a little skin on the tail and after a few times of this happening the end of the tail can die.
It may not be the prettiest thing but it isn't dangerous.
You may end up with a snake with a blunt tail but even that can be hard to notice as the snake grows.
If you ever notice any retained skin on the tail take a warm, damp wash cloth and gently work the retained skin off.
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Corn snakes and rat snakes..No one can have just one.
"Resistance is futile"
Jimmy Johnson
(Draybar)
Draybars Snakes

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Thanks Draybar!

Here are some more pictures of her after the shed and of the tail - I think it looks worse now. I cleaned her tank and put neosporin on the wound.

She ate tonight, so she can't be in that much pain.

Thanks again.

David