Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys,

This is my first season breeding hognoses. I've never had to brumate snakes before this season. Are there any concerns for snakes going into a shed cycle during brumation?

Thanks!

In all the years breeding snakes, I have never seen one go into shed during brumation. From my personal experience it is not the norm. At proper brumation temperatures, Their metabolic rate should be very slowed not allowing any growth. What temps are you bromating them at?

Gregg is correct. In all my years breeding I have also never had an animal start a shed cycle in brumation. It costs valuable calories they just cannot spend. On the other hand. I have had snakes start to go into shed cycle, and before they actually shed I still brumate them. They will slough their skin still but it can be extremely difficult for them even with a moist hide. Their metabolisms are so slow that they dont really have the strength to slough the skin. In this case I always watch the particular animal that was shedding prior to brumation, and when it is time manually shed the skin. It can also be difficult for the skin to shed because of the lack of humidity in brumation. Usually when I put one into hibernation that was already going through a shed cycle, it can take up to a month to a month and a half for the cycle to be at the point where you can manually shed them (again because their metabolisms are so low, everything takes longer). Do you have some you think are shedding, or were you just asking as a general heads up in case you have it happen?
Will

Snake CAN and DO shed during brumation. Seen it many times, and although it does not happen like it normally would if they were NOT in Brumation, it can and does happen.

If they are healthy, with good weight, etc. going into brumation, it should not be a prob.
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Genesis 1:1

Discern is not the only breeder to have seen this before.
I've seen this happen with a variety of colubrids.
I don't recall any association with shedding during brumation
and low fertility. As long as your hogs are in good health, have
good weight, etc. I don't believe you have anything to worry about.

normally snakes do not shed in the winter. Also, normally if they do, its not a problem.

If you see a snake in brumation go opaque, then I recommend offering some heat until after it completes its shed. Just a little, like a heat pad/strip in one corner.