Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This regards a cali king - not milk - sorry kingsnake forum is down.

My 7 year old cali king is experiencing a shed problem - started 2 weeks ago, just the head shed. The rest has been flaking off slowly. Difficult to help with the shed as it comes off in such small pieces. The belly seems to have mostly flaked off.

Is this a problem? Should I do my best to try to get it off or just let it happen? Will the snake get sick if does not all come off?

snake is eating very well

Thanks

Hello,
I'd soak it in room temperature or SLIGHTLY warmer water for 5-10 minutes, then gently rub the old skin off with your fingers or an old towel. In the future, make sure you keep the humidity high in his cage before each shed, daily misting and a humid hide (a tupperware dish with moss) will help a lot. Good luck!

Nate

Thanks Nate

I'll give it a try.

If your King is receptive to being held and slithering around on your arms and through your fingers here is another tip. After soaking, take a small towel that has a rough nap (an older towel would work best), dampen it slightly with warm water(so the snake doesn't cool off too much) and have the snake slither through it while applying little pressure around its body. The ough towel surface and the pressure will help get the skin off. I found with my big Albino Corn on two occasians that the rough towel and pressure will help skin to release. It will take several times, but you should see skin flakes in the towel after several passes.

The key spot to look at once you think the skin is all off is the tail. Skin that is left on the tail (even an 1/8 of an inch) can cause complications if left on, especially after futher sheds if remains.

Excellent suggestion! Thanks.

I am most concerned that he will get ill from the partial shed.

Seems to be in excellent health right now and I want to keep it that way.