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It's been quite a while since I've had this guy (since the Daytona show), so I was wondering when this would happen
I noticed he finally started clouding up and had to take a picture

Since this is my first snake, I was wondering if anyone has any advice for me. He has a humid hide in his cage which he's currently using. Should I leave him alone until he's done shedding? Tomorrow is a feeding day for him, should I offer food or wait? After he sheds, is it immediately safe to handle him or will he be sensitive? I just don't want to stress him out during this.

Keep his hide moist and leave him alone. They will usually eat just before shedding, but letting him miss a meal won't bother him in any way. He will be hungry immediately after shedding. Do check to make sure his shed is complete. Sometimes they retain some of the old skin at the end of the tail. I usually change the substrate and clean their enclosure just before they shed. I have handled mine right after shedding, but usually leave them alone except to check for a full shed. Hoagie has a beautiful color and pattern.

Wendell

Thanks a ton! I changed his substrate somewhat recently, so that's good to know. Do you know how long hognose snakes typically stay in shed? And do you know if he will he need some kind of rock to help with the shedding?

I'm glad you like his color and pattern He's an amazing snake, with a great temperament too, I'm really happy to have him. I'm pretty curious if he'll look any different after the shed.

Not all of my hogs shed at the same rate. Some shed very quickly after going opaque, and others seem to take longer. Typically, the whole process is finished within days of going opaque with my hogs. Shedding is facilitated by having a rough surface for them to rub against. I have a rock that I wash and place in their enclosure until they shed, and they do use it.

I don't know where Hoagie was bred, but I'd venture a guess that his colors will intensify as he grows. I'd like to see a picture in a year or so.

It really varies on the snake. The first time my hoogy shed (also bought at teh daytona show) it took around a week, week and a half, and he shed in September. He shed again in November, and this time it took almost 2-2 and a half weeks for him to shed. His body went opaque, then back to normal, but his eyes stayed REALLY opaque for like 4-5 days after that. Shed beautifuly though, and it came off all in one piece.

I'd recommened keeping track of his shed, like when you first notice he's opaque till when he sheds. That way in the future you'll have a general idea of how long it takes, and notice problems more easily.
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1.0 Western Hognose

Hi Crystel,

The advice Wendell gave you is solid and pretty much how I deal with my hogs as well. I would also recommend that you examine the skin closely after it's been shed and make sure that both eye caps have come off. Sometimes an eye cap can be left one while the rest of the skin looks complete. But I'm sure he'll do just fine!

Little Hoagie looks like he's doing great! I'm glad you are enjoying him so much, he's a wonderful little hoggie.
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Troy Rexroth
Rextiles

Question: When a "Hoagie" sheds, does the tomato come off or just the lettuce?