Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an adult Everglades Rat snake who has gone through dozens of sheds without any issues at all. Typically, his eyes become opaque for a day or two before clearing. I recently relocated my snakes from Alaska to Colorado and he immediately entered a shed cycle. This time around though, his eyes have stayed opaque for 7 days with no signs yet of clearing. Many forums online talk about soaking a snake who is having shedding issues, but in all these instances, the snakes eyes have cleared. What should I do?

>>I have an adult Everglades Rat snake who has gone through dozens of sheds without any issues at all. Typically, his eyes become opaque for a day or two before clearing. I recently relocated my snakes from Alaska to Colorado and he immediately entered a shed cycle. This time around though, his eyes have stayed opaque for 7 days with no signs yet of clearing. Many forums online talk about soaking a snake who is having shedding issues, but in all these instances, the snakes eyes have cleared. What should I do?

I have snakes that generally take longer to go through the shed cycle. Not much to do but wait them out. I would wonder if it is a factor of temperature in his new home (I would suspect cooler) or if it is stress from moving. Either way it is a matter of time for him to go through his cycle and shed. Soaking is usually a fix for low humidity and a shed that is coming off in shreds. I doubt this is an issue with your guy.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

I might also add to just make certain that your snake is well hydrated. The trip might have dried him out a bit; and significant water is used to cleave the new and old dermal layers.

Ian

>>I might also add to just make certain that your snake is well hydrated. The trip might have dried him out a bit; and significant water is used to cleave the new and old dermal layers.
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>>Ian

I think Ian just wanted to use 'cleave' in a sentence.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

Thanks for the advice to be patient. After almost two weeks with opaque eyes, he finally cleared up and had an intact shed. What a relief! Now he is back to being his curious and friendly self.

Cheers!