Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was told (many many years ago) that when a snake goes into shed, you shouldn't handle them or try to feed them. However, I'm hearing about and seeing a lot of photos here of people doing just that. So in general is it best to leave them be until they've shed, or should I still be handling them and offering food? Both of mine are still babies 3 and 5 months old and they both ate last weekend and are due to be fed. And my son wants desperately to play with them.

Thanks.

In my experience it depends on the critter. Some will eat and others will not. As I rule I don't handle or feed our snakes when they enter the blue eyed phase of ecdysis. At that point I wait until after they shed. Our snakes tend to become very secretive and hide a lot so I figure they want to be left alone. But, like I said, your mileage may vary. It depends on your critter.

When I thaw out food I thaw out what I know my garbage disposal snakes will eat and offer first to any that are reluctant feeders or in shed. This way if they eat then I just thaw out more for the definate feeders, I only have a couple that have ever eaten while in shed but it does happen, and I usually still offer! I keep handeling to a minimum while they are in shed as I find them to be more nervous and touchy while in shed, I don't like to stress them out.
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Nita Hamilton
5.9 Normal BP's
1.0 Het Orange Ghost
1.4 Humans (DH, Me and 3 daughters)

I see no problem with F/T though if they will take it. There is deffinitely no harm in leaving them alone and not offering food though and I would still recomend it especially for people new to snake keeping. Are you old school? Do you think the albino burmese python is the coolest thing ever?

Go ahead and handle the snake...Just make sure it knows that you're about to pick it up. Since their eyes are opaque, it's difficult for them to see clearly (depending on the stage of shed). I handle mine all the time, especially since I have to clean their cage if they make a "mess".

In addition, try feeding the animal if it's feeding time. It will either eat or it wont. I have some animals that eat while in shed and I have some that don't.

Enjoy your animal nonetheless....

I personally do not handle or feed any of my snakes that are into shed mode. I am always a bit bothered when I see pics of snakes eating while in shed. I would think that the added weight and mass might make shedding a bit more difficult?
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2.1 Ball pythons
1.0 Boa Constrictor Imperator
0.1 albino Cranwell's horned frog
1.0 bearded dragon
1.0 Tiger salamander
1.1 breeding Clawed frogs
1.0 black kittycat
3.1 Oscar cichlids
0.1 Paint horse mare

I've noticed that eating a large meal can often help facilitate shedding. The meal expands and sometimes causes them to shed due to the extensive stretching action while consuming a meal.

Just my $.02