Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The skin that was previously over these gray patches peeled off the snakes head several days after I purchased it, almost three weeks ago now? At first I thought it was the starting of a shed but now I'm not so sure. I'm wondering if the snake is simply getting too dehydrated. As mentioned in a previous post, it was in a 20 gallon tank before and based on the advice given to me here I moved it to a 5.5 gallon and changed the substrate from aspen to paper towel (also now using UTH instead of ceramic bulb for heating). It hasn't eaten another pinky since the day after I purchased it and I'm starting to get concerned considering it's size. I purchased some 'Repti Shedding Aid' and 'Repti Would-Healing Aid', but perhaps I'm just being too overconcerned about it? Check out the pictures and give me your thoughts. I'm really open to all the advice I can get.

I'd leave it be. If it's a stuck piece of skin, it will come off with the next shed. I would not be handling a snake that isn't on a consistent feeding schedule. Handling causes stress. I'd leave the snake alone in its new enclosure for a few days before attempting to feed it.

Tim

Third Eye

GREAT NEWS! Last night while I was sleeping it did a complete shed! Eyecaps and everything! Thanks for the advice guys I took all of it. Now Ursula is active as ever and I'm going to try feeding tonight because I'm sure she's hungry. It's been 3 weeks since she ate and her shedding cycle started! The strangest thing about this whole cycle was that she never quite looked entirely like she was going to shed. Her color pattern made it really difficult to tell. Only by looking at her at a certain angle could you see her skin turning gray. I'm so relieved about this I'm taking the day off from work and relaxing. I think moving her to the smaller tank did wonders. But I'm going to avoid handling her for a bit until she gets more acclimated to the new tank. I think misting her everyday during her cycle probably helped the most too.