Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I have this real mean female snake, very hard to handle, but she's got a real problem shedding. She's in a cage, pictured below, with four other snakes in the other compartments (she's in the bottom left by herself), and for some reason, she can never shed right. Anyway, I noticed a build up of shed on her tail, and last time that happened to one of my snakes, I soaked him in a bath of water and shed ease, and I had no problem. This time, the tail just fell off, and is bleeding a little bit. Nothing too major, but I'm still worried. I've had snakes for a while, but I've never run into a problem where any of them have open wounds. Is there anything that I need to do to help? Neosporin? More or less heat? more or less humidity? Sad thing is, every other snake in this cage sheds with no problem what so ever. All one piece, from beginning to end. This mean little girl just doesn't want to shed, and it sucks because she's got some great genetics behind her. Any thoughts would be great! Thank you in advance!

AJ

J/K
It happened with my Green Tree Python. I was away for a few days while the snake was in shed and was unable to mist down the cage. As a result, everything but about the very tip of the tail shed. I did not notice until it was too late. I soaked the snake and tried to remove it BUT instead I removed the tip of the tail. (about 1/16 inch) It bled a tiny amount, nothing major. I was worried at first too, but I kept my eye on it and it healed fine. It was a year ago and you can not even tell today.

Keep in mind that snakes are NOT pampered in the wild like they are in captivity. Nature has a way and the snake will most likely heal itself over time. It will also be less noticeable with each and every shed.
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BA HUMBUG until Dec 12th
www.members.aol.com/northeastsnakes
Causa : Latet : Vis : Est : Notissima
The Cause Is Hidden, The Results Well Known.
-carl3

Nice setup! I would try to keep the snake in a dry environment until the tail visibly heals. BUT for the next shed, you may want to get a rubbermaid container (with holes in it), line it with paper towels, put about 1/4 inch of room temp water on the bottom. Place the snake in there for a little while just before it's ready to shed. Might help.
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BA HUMBUG until Dec 12th
www.members.aol.com/northeastsnakes
Causa : Latet : Vis : Est : Notissima
The Cause Is Hidden, The Results Well Known.
-carl3

Your snake should be fine-just keep the wound clean (don't use hydrogen peroxide after the first day or two-saline solution or just plain water is fine). A little neosporin on the area wouldn't hurt, either. By the way, that's a great looking set-up you have there. Could you give us any details on it? Thanks!

Thank you everyone who responded! Makes me feel better that other people have had problems like this. And thanks for the compliments on the cage. Email me at cmsuphoto@yahoo.com if you want details. It only cost me about $150 to build, if you are willing to work with tools.

AJ

The only thing that I can think of for being the reason she has poor sheds and the others don't is it looks like her part of the cage is totally encompassed by that overhead light. The other snakes look like they can move to a place with less light. The light is going to dry up the air, so that's probably why you have problems.

I use overhead heating (for now, although when I switch to racks I will be using belly heat) and my snakes have had problems shedding in the past too. I decided to include a permanent moist hidebox in each of their cages. I fill it with moistened paper towels that I just re-wet once they dry out. They really seem to appriciate it, using it consistantly when they go into a shed cycle.

Sorry for the late responce, but I'm new to this website!! First of all, I have a corn that did the same and the vet said it wasn't a problem as long as the little stub didn't get infected, which it didn't, and he hasn't had a problem shedding yet.

Second of all, where did you get that awesome tank set up!!! I need some new tanks for my snakes.

-Spangles

I made the tank set up. I like makin' things out of wood! Cheaper and better, in my opinion...

AJ