Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys. I have an Adult BP, age unknown who is approximately 4 ft long(unsure of weight just yet).Ive only had him/her since the middle of april, and about 2 week after i got him/her, it shed. no problems,a complete shed. Always been a great eater,and now eats PK jumbo rats. Well, i just noticed yesterday the snake has the blue hue to him/her agian,which means itll be shedding soon. Isnt twice in one month a little excessive??? Is there any explanation for this? The snake doesnt look like its grown much, except for after it eats big meals. I was thinking, it could be possible i have a female, and it could be one of those sheds they have before ovulation or laying or something? What do you think? im going to get it to a vet now right after its shed to determine sex and weight,and try to keep track of his/her weight. I dont know much about breeding or anything like that, im looking into it now,just incase that is the case. Does anyone have any thoughts on this???thanks alot!

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Kane

I've seen in many animals, once moved to a different environment, shed sometimes twice in a month. They most likely have the "environment change" shed, then their normal shed. Its probably not from power feeding and (s)he's probably not pregnant. I've seen it in many different species, sizes, etc. and it seems to be a normal thing. Sometimes it doesn't happen but it just usually depends on the animal.

Well this particular snake was a rescue anyways. When i got it it had mites, was dehdrated,retained eyecaps,respitory infection,etc. (s)he was trying to shed when i first brought him home, was all blue, but it didnt happen for about 2 weeks,like he soaked for a long time,never shed,then did the whole blue hue thing over again,then shed.it was weird. i could understand the environment change thing, but ive never heard of it before. kind of disappointing,i wouldve liked to have had some babies! I dont know much about the past of this snake at all, only that it mustve been kept pretty crappy before i got him. Hes in a 150 wooden cage now and soaking in his water dish night and day. ill let yous know what happens,thanks alot!

P.S.-It could be powerfeeding i suppose, ive been feeding him one large rat once a week,to help get him back on his feet after all the crap went through. i suppose i should start cutting back!

For a full grown ball, I think 1 rat a wk is about right. I think I'd go with Luke's explanation.
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Kane

ive noticed this in my corn snakes often! If they have a skin imperfection such as a missing scale, skin from previous shed left on, cuts, scrapes, ect they correct the imperfections by continuous shed. Also during breeding season they shed alot to kee their apearence looking good for the ladies!.
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JOSHUA

I did the same thing the only difference was the snake didn't have mites. Shed twice in the first month and was going into shed after that. 1 rat a week is fine...my only guess is it is making up for time being underfed. I did the same thing. Unless your name is sarah and you got the snake from me