Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello we have an almost year old rosy boa we got about three weeks ago. About I week ago I noticed he was getting alittle krinkly looking. Then after a couple days his attitude changed, very cranky and striking alot. Anyways I figured he's shedding, and haven't fed him, its been six days. We usually feed him every four. Im so confused and scared im wrong and he's not shedding. I don't wanna starve him. So my questions are how do you know there shedding, and how long does the process start from pre-shed to end? Also should I try and feed him anyways?

Generally, when snakes are about to go into ecdysis (or shedding), they will turn "opaque", meaning their color/pattern intensity will be duller than usual. Their eyes will often become cloudy or bluish, and this causes many snakes to be more defensive than usual at this time because they cannot see as well as they normally would.

The eyes will usually clear up again just prior to shedding, with the sloughing process usually taking place a week or two afterwards for most snakes. I generally do not feed any of my snakes during this time (although some will still eat then), and wait until after they have finished shedding. Many will eat quite readily then.