Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently acquired a female western hognose(24". in general she seems healthy:No signs of respiratory infection or parasites, active, bright eyes, feeding well, thermoregulating freely etc etc, However, in the last week she's developed "dandruff", tiny bits of skin flaking off from all over her body. I have records going back to the beginning of December, she hasn't shed since then. Another Hognose that I keep in the same conditions (but different cage!) has shed twice since then. The question is whether she is overdue for a shed, or whether this flaking indicates something more serious? any ideas? thanks

I had a hog with the same problem. I gave her a larger water bowl so she could submerge herself, she has been shedding 4 times a year since. I use a water bowl about the diameter of a CD. If you already are using one, i am out of ideas. Im not an expert, but since no one replied to your message, i can guess. Is the dander flaking off? Is it growing? Does it look like its growing?

I would think if there is a problem shedding, it usually is apparent over the eyes, so if the eyes have shed, i dont see why their would be any problems shedding. So if the eyes look cloudy then wait until the next shed cycle (hopefully) and it should clear up with the larger water bowl.

Make sure it is not fungus or mold, not that there is any reason for mold to be on your snake. Try posting a pic and maybe someone with more experience in this area can help. Hope this helps.

Try using a humid hide, either put sphagnum moss in an ice cream tub or put a piece of lightly damped paper towel.

Gary