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I posted a similar message in late June 08 but then I posted an "all's well" so I never got (or expected) any responses. We're facing the same thing, and although he got over it last time, I'm really worried and would love to hear if anyone has any thoughts or similar experience that was no big deal.

Our corn snake is 4-5 years old. Energetic until a week ago - maybe ten days. Skin has turned darker than we've ever seen. He stays in hiding and doesn't come out - maybe in the middle of the night, but we normally see him during the day and evening. I have twice removed his hiding place to make sure he's still alive. We thought he was going to shed but hasn't. When I held him last night, he wasn't limp, but he also wasn't into giving big hugs. His little face seems drawn. He's not even out looking for food, although I think he would have eaten last night if we had offered - which we will tonight. He ate two medium-sized mice last weekend. He has plenty of clean water and the temperature is unchanged.

Any ideas?

>>I posted a similar message in late June 08 but then I posted an "all's well" so I never got (or expected) any responses. We're facing the same thing, and although he got over it last time, I'm really worried and would love to hear if anyone has any thoughts or similar experience that was no big deal.
>>
>>Our corn snake is 4-5 years old. Energetic until a week ago - maybe ten days. Skin has turned darker than we've ever seen. He stays in hiding and doesn't come out - maybe in the middle of the night, but we normally see him during the day and evening. I have twice removed his hiding place to make sure he's still alive. We thought he was going to shed but hasn't. When I held him last night, he wasn't limp, but he also wasn't into giving big hugs. His little face seems drawn. He's not even out looking for food, although I think he would have eaten last night if we had offered - which we will tonight. He ate two medium-sized mice last weekend. He has plenty of clean water and the temperature is unchanged.
>>
>>Any ideas?

How about a photo? Sounds just like an extra thick, deep shed cycle, to me. Make sure he has a moist hide (plastic tub with a hole for him to enter/exit, half filled with moist sphagnum moss or moist paper towels). You might want to mist the entire cage, daily, until he sheds. Snakes don't always go by the books, and I have seen snakes go a month in the blue, and shed just fine. Some shed cycles can make the snake darker than others. Soaking helps too. If you are worried and do not think it is in a shed cycle, the best thing is to get it to a vet who is experienced with herps.

-Toby Brock
-----
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

wow - thanks! I guess you were right. Twister shed a great skin with all his details preserved. Ashley can't wait to take it to school. And, he ate two large mice and he squeezed me tight when I had him out the next day.

Worry wart mom. Ugh.

Just for kicks, I'll work on getting a current pic to post.

Cheers and TGIF and thanks!