OK here's a problem I've never had before. I have a little baby going through it's first shed. It should have shed about a week ago. But it won't get it started. After she cleared up and it looked like it was about time, I gave her a little soak and put a damp cloth in there like I usually do, but she just sat in her hide or hid behind the towel and didn't use it to shed. I was out of town for a few days, and hoped she'd have done it by the time I got back but no. Her skin is all wrinkly and tight looking, so I soaked her again for a while and she looked a little more comfortable, but still she just won't rub her nose on anything or do anything to get the shed started. I can deal with stuck sheds, but what can I do if she isn't willing to get things going at all? Any ideas? Today's feeding day and I read somewhere that if they'll eat it can kind of make them stretch enough to get it started, any thoughts on that? Thanks, -chris-
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
Shedding problem
Replies (2)
My snake has taken up to two (1 week after clearing up) weeks to shed... they just take their time with these things. Its fairly aggrivating, because I always like to take new photos right after a shed. I wouldn't worry too much, sounds like you're doing the right things.
Hey,
Sorry but I have to disagree with the reply given on this subject or problem. I would take matters into my own hands with the problem shed, and get it started manually. Place a damp towel like you've done with the baby, I'm assuming, and once you find the skin is no longer dry, you can carefully peel the skin from the mouth area back over its lips, both top and bottom. It sometimes happens, but no blood takes that long after clearing to shed. There is definately a problem with the conditions it is being kept in, and that is usually attributed to insufficient moisture in the cage. Once you get it started you can place it back into the shed box with the water and towel and allow it to complete the shed. If it does not finish shedding on its own, you should then complete the shed manually. However, sometimes getting it started for them motivates them to finish the job them self.
-Angel
-----
In life you can fall many times, but you're only a failure, if you don't try to get back up!
Evil Canevil
