Reptile & Amphibian Forums

the eye peice stayed on after my water snakes last shed, about a week ago, will it fall off or is there something i should do?
thank you very much for any help

It is not that big of a deal at all, but it is still a good idea to help it to come off. The best way I have found to do this is to soak it for about 30 minutes in luke wamr water and then take it out and very gently rub your finger across the eye in one direction until it loosens up and then it will begin to slip off. if there is a small amount of sking that did not come off during shedding you can get a hold of that with tweezers or something and pull slowly and gently because it is attached to the eye scale (the proper word for that has escaped me for now). don't hurt the snake taking it off though, if it does not come off just wait till next time it sheds and it should come off. You should always have awater bowl that the snake can submerge in at anytime. what kind and how big is the snake? can you get some pics of it?
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Justin

Leaving it on can lead to infections, if your not handy with tweesers try sticking some masking tape to it, that usually works.

I agree with removing any and all "old" skin for the same reason including the fact that it (the skin) does not stretch and will cause constriction, irritation and or infection. The two worst areas, in my opinion are the brille (eye cap) and tail end!
It is very, very important that you be gentle with the eye!!! As Justin indicated, soak the snake or site of old skin first. This can be done in your hand with a Q-tip, then once moist, rub with the Q-tip, soft cloth, etc, etc. Tweezers can be used if your hands are steady and that you KNOW that whatever you grab IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THERE. If you see the eye being tugged on - STOP!
This suggests that the site is not sufficiently lubricated or that you're catching the wrong area OR the brille is off and in the tank somewhere. I have not used tape to lift off the (dry) cap however, it can be used if you have the experience and again, know that the brille is still attached.
Michael

after 3 good soakings, he shed in one peice included they eye cap. thank you all very much for you help and for being soo welcoming to me and my problem.