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We were away for a few days and the snakes had to wait an extra day or so for a meal. So on Monday my Kisatchie got a big meal and enjoyed it. The next day I noticed him looking like he'll be shedding soon. I've only had him a month and he hasn't shed since we got him. He's usually really active, much more so than our Florida King, but he's been pretty lethargic. Eyes blued. In anticipation of his shed I took him out to try and soak him for a few minutes. Plus, he hasn't pooped yet after his big Monday meal, so I thought the soaking might help. This went pretty well (though no poop), surprisingly, he doesn't usually seem to like to be handled, though I'm working on that. He was patient and then surprised me when he dipped his head and drank a BUNCH of the warm soaking water! Cool thing to see, I think. Anyway, my questions:

Is lethargy common before a shed? Our King has never acted so, and she's the only other snake I've had. Could he be dehyrated? And is it possible the Kisatchie prefers warm water to drink from? Do I win stupidest question of the month with that one?

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0.1 Lampropeltis Getula Floridana
1.0 Elaphe Guttata Slowinskii

I guess the soaking is what he needed. Because, well, there was a very large "incident" that occurred within fifteen minutes of putting him back, and he seems to feel much, much better now. He would HAVE to...
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0.1 Lampropeltis Getula Floridana
1.0 Elaphe Guttata Slowinskii

>>I guess the soaking is what he needed. Because, well, there was a very large "incident" that occurred within fifteen minutes of putting him back, and he seems to feel much, much better now. He would HAVE to...
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>>0.1 Lampropeltis Getula Floridana
>>1.0 Elaphe Guttata Slowinskii

Actually, the defecation after the soaking is probably due to the STRESS of the soaking. Have the humidity correct, and you won't NEED to soak the snake. If your humidity is too low, put a humidity box in there. One of theBIG ways that snakes reacte to stress (nrew cage, put two together, etc.) is to defecate. The soaking can help if there is a problem, but I see no indication that there was a problem.

I've worked with & bred Kisatchies for over 15 years now from 3 states (who remembers how many localities), and I have never seen ANY reason to soak one. Period. Bad sheds are rare, and I might have had to put one or two once in a damp pillow case, but I don't remember even ever having to do that!

Good luck, enjoy your snake (because they ARE cool), but I recommend relaxing and not stressing a new snake more than is warranted for a perceived problem that is likely not a problem at all.

KJ
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KJUN Snakehaven

Okay. I'm sure I did overreact, but my only other experience is with my one other snake. They both ate meals at the same time and the Kisatchie was a couple days behind on defecating, so when he seemed not active to me I thought maybe he was having a problem. That, along with the iminent shed, made me think I should try to soak him. But I'll let him be and I'm sure he'll be fine.

I can't wait to see him right after he sheds! His colors are awesome.

Thanks for the help.
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0.1 Lampropeltis Getula Floridana
1.0 Elaphe Guttata Slowinskii

>>I can't wait to see him right after he sheds! His colors are awesome.

Yes, it is. Congrats on such a beautiful animal! They are my second favorite snake from Louisiana and/or Texas!

KJ
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KJUN Snakehaven

The reason he hadn't gone is because he was "holding" it until after the shed. Most snakes usually do if they are about to shed...
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-David Harrison-
.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"
.1 Ball Python "Rocky Ballboa" (Didn't name her!)

"Have you ever tried simply turning off the T.V., sitting down with your kids... and hitting them?"

AND THE ANSWERS ARE.....

Yes,possibly,I doubt it and absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Just kiddin' LOL!!!)

Funny, I had to go back and read my questions to align your answers. I knew I nailed that last one!

He seems to be much more normal now. The King and the Kisatchie might shed on the same day tomorrow or Saturday.
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0.1 Lampropeltis Getula Floridana
1.0 Elaphe Guttata Slowinskii