Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi there im a new member based in sydney, australia. i have an aussie elapid -red belly black snake- who goes blue but wont shed!!
help needed urgently!
she was gravid about 5 months ago but due to a temperature error they died and she gave birth to 5 dead babys. since then she goes 'blue' but wont shed her skin.
i have kept her warm, humid, and have done regular soakings in water to try and loosen it.
i have also tried a spray called shed-aid.
this has gone on too long and she is very grumpy.
she still feeds well./
i really want to fix her, will try anything! i am hoping that by broadening my scale to kingsnake.com. someone out in the world may know a way to fix her!
ps. not cost is too great to save a family member, even if she bites...

How long has she been in the blue? Has it happened multiple times? You've had her for 5 months and she hasn't shed yet... that's not super terrible and might be explainable by the initial low temperatures.

For now, I wouldn't be overly worried. Concentrate on the snake's behavior and husbandry. If she's still eating, defecating and alert and active, then there is no immediate reason to intervene. Included in your husbandry might be a humid hide box.

If there is indeed a problem, it is likely related to hypohydration or dehydration. Possibly a nutritional problem, what are you feeding it? This is less likely if whole prey items are being fed. A physical exam by a herp savy vet might set you at ease that the snake is currently healthy beyond the blue anomaly.

Ian