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shed question

zippy00_99 Nov 23, 2009 10:50 AM

What is the longest any of you had to wait before one of your babies shed?
What was the longest any of you had to wait before one of your babies finally ate?

I have a baby that took 4 weeks to finally shed...is this normal. The other babies in the clutch shed 2 weeks after hatching. After reading about that poor baby snake that didn't eat for a long time, and then ate and died, I am a little nervous. This particular baby was the smallest egg in the clutch, it was a tear drop egg, so it was mostly verticle the whole 55 day and had a big window in his egg, came out weighing the least, so he is a runt. Any feedback is appreciated. Not freaken' out, but just a little uneasy about it.

Matt

Replies (5)

J35J Nov 23, 2009 11:20 AM

Did you ever try to feed it before it shed? Sometimes those that take longer than a couple weeks to shed will go ahead and eat before they do shed....as long as they aren't still fat with yolk.

robyn@ProExotics Nov 23, 2009 03:25 PM

Yep, if they take more than 3 weeks or so, we go ahead and offer food. Sometimes that first shed will be a real bear, and might take some time to complete. Food and nutrition can move the animal along in the meantime.
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robyn@proexotics.com

ShipYourReptiles.com
Pro Exotics Reptiles

zippy00_99 Nov 23, 2009 07:26 PM

I tried feeding him. I waited 2 weeks-they all shed except the one. 3 days later I tried to feed them ALL. None ate. 1 week later I tried to feed them ALL. All ate but the one-still no shed. 1 week later-all ate but the one. 3 days later the one shed, and I will try feeding on friday which is when I do my feedings. So I hope he takes.

jimepp Nov 23, 2009 10:21 PM

I just had a clutch of 4/and their 1st-shed times were all way different. Wait them out, but I also suggest offering meals to those that are taking a long time for 1st shed...Jim

ssnakes Nov 24, 2009 08:50 AM

Have you tried a tepid water soak? Water that is neither hot nor cold, a depth so he is submerged about an inch for an hour or two.

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