Shedding (ecdysis) is the process in which new skin is formed beneath the old and the latter is subsequently discarded. All reptiles (and amphibians) shed. In snakes, it usually occurs every 1 to 3 months depending on the age and size of snake involved. Snakes that are about to shed their skin will seem to lose their appetite and become somewhat lethargic a week or two prior to the event. As new skin develops beneath the old, the old skin will turn “opaque” for a few days, then return to its normal appearance. After several days, the old skin comes off. Keep accurate records of your snake’s shedding activity. Any changes in your snake’s individual shedding pattern could be a sign of illness and warrants a trip to your veterinarian.
To prevent inadvertent damage to the new skin, do not handle your snake while it is shedding until the process is complete. If an incomplete shed occurs, place your snake in a shallow water bowl and soak the non shed regions for 1 to 2 hours. This should help the snake complete the shed.
Occasionally, the skin covering the eyes of a snake will fail to shed with the rest of the skin. These retained eye caps might need to be manually removed. However, this should be performed only with the help of a qualified veterinarian, since, if done incorrectly, permanent damage to your snake’s eyes could result.
To prevent inadvertent damage to the new skin, do not handle your snake while it is shedding until the process is complete. If an incomplete shed occurs, place your snake in a shallow water bowl and soak the non shed regions for 1 to 2 hours. This should help the snake complete the shed.
Occasionally, the skin covering the eyes of a snake will fail to shed with the rest of the skin. These retained eye caps might need to be manually removed. However, this should be performed only with the help of a qualified veterinarian, since, if done incorrectly, permanent damage to your snake’s eyes could result.
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