Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey ya'll this is my first post here, so hope someone can help. I am a new kingsnake owner, and because I got him at a pet store there I don;t know his age, I assume he is maturer because he does eat small mice (he will not eat live only the frozen ones). I have a set up with both a warm and a cool side and hidign spots are provided on both. My snake normally eats every Thursday. He has not yet eaten this week and I notice he is no as active as normal (although he is drinking water).His eyes seem slightly cloudy and he has been spending more time aon he cool end then usual. I have had him since valentines day and he has not yet shed yet. Does anyone have advice on what may be going on inside his head? I don't want to worry myself sick, I am thinking he may be due for a shed although I do not know the normal shedding schedule for this species. Any help would be great!!!!

A snakes shed cycle is dependant upon the age of the snake. Younger snakes shed more oftern because they are in an accelerated state of growth. Once full grown the shedding will slow down considerably. Because his eyes are cloudy I would say he is getting ready to shed. I would not disturb him and provide plenty of water. Also, if the humidity is low in his enclosure you may want to raise it to make the shed process easier for him and to ensure it comes off in one piece. I am sure someone will offer more advice.

Miller

>>Hey ya'll this is my first post here, so hope someone can help. I am a new kingsnake owner, and because I got him at a pet store there I don;t know his age, I assume he is maturer because he does eat small mice (he will not eat live only the frozen ones). I have a set up with both a warm and a cool side and hidign spots are provided on both. My snake normally eats every Thursday. He has not yet eaten this week and I notice he is no as active as normal (although he is drinking water).His eyes seem slightly cloudy and he has been spending more time aon he cool end then usual. I have had him since valentines day and he has not yet shed yet. Does anyone have advice on what may be going on inside his head? I don't want to worry myself sick, I am thinking he may be due for a shed although I do not know the normal shedding schedule for this species. Any help would be great!!!!
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1.1 Florida King
1.1 Eastern Kings
1.1 Black Milksnake
0.1 Honduran
1.1 Kankakee Bull Snakes
2.2 N. Pinesnake
0.0.1 Black Ratsnake
1.0 Chow Chow (2003 Papi)
0.1 Cats (Shug)

if its starting to get dull and the eyes a bluish color... its normal for some snakes to not eat. they are whats called in the blue or blue phase. its when they are getting ready to shed and they look almost a milky color. he should be back to normal within a week or 2

~kin
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~Sober Serpents~
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He sounds normal and healthy. I would spray the cage with water to keep the humidity up and leave him alone until you find a shed skin in the cage. His eyes will go cloudy for about 5 days and then clear up. A few days after they clear up he will shed his skin and his appetite should come back.

Another thing you can do (that my cali king loves) is cut a hole in a tupperware container. Put some wet paper towels in and leave it in the cage for him if he wants to use it.

Keep in mind too that they're usually more irritable when in shed. They can't see as well and are generally more grouchy. So don't fret if he gets upset with you. He doesn't mean it.

Good luck!