Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can someone explain to me, the shedding process? I want to make sure I do anything that I have to do for my snake, during her shedding process. This is her first shed, since I've had her.
I just now noticed that her eyes are that blueish color. So I know that she'll begin to shed soon, right? Do I need to do anything special for her? She's been hanging out quite a bit, right under the heat lamp, which I know isn't too hot. She last ate two days ago.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Cyndi

you can put a small container with moist paper towels/moss/ or even just a lil bit of water. her eyes should clear up in a day or two and then in another day or so. she should shed. hope this helps. maybe you will be lucky enough to witness it.
wayne

Do I put her IN the container with wet paper towels/moss or water? I tried to put her in a container of water the other day, because her scales looked really dry (and I thought she might be getting ready to shed) but she wanted no part of it. She is acting weird, today, as in not her normal self. She's very jumpy. I'm almost afraid to handle her.

You can put her in a container with dampened paper towels. After their eyes turn blue, they'll clear up. Then a day or two later they'll start to shed. If you put her in water only, check the temperature. Remember that if it feels warm to you, it'll feel too warm to her. (your internal temp. is 98, hers is 78?) So not too hot or too cold. Room temperature is about right, and you don't need much water in the container, just enogh to keep her damp.

it's normal for them to be a little jumpy around shed time. what I would do is put the container in the cage cut a small hole in the top of it, use like a tupper ware jar or something and put either water, moss, or moist paper towel so she can enter freely.
wayne

Thanks guys! I appreciate your help.....again!

I did put a container in her tank with a wet paper towel, but she's been laying next to it, lol! She hasn't gone in it yet. Should I be concerned if she doesn't. I am nervous about picking her up and putting her in it, I know I'm a chicken! Maybe I should spritz her with water, but I don't want to freak her out. I just hope she doesn't have any problems shedding.

Thanks again for all your help!

Cyndi

I would wait till she sheds and if she has some problems getting it all off then soak her
wayne

Once again, Thank You Wayne! What would I do without you! Hopefully she'll do ok shedding on her own, and her little mood swing will be gone, lol!

Thanks again!

Cyndi

Will she eat now, while she is getting ready to shed? Should I bother trying to feed her? She last ate a week ago.

I would wait to try till after she shed most of my snakes won't eat during shed. but a few will I find it easier to skip a meal.
wayne