Snakes swallowing it's own shedding??

[nightserpent]

Hello Everyone!

I had a strange experience this morning, and I was hoping to take advantage of everyone's knowledge and solve my puzzle. This morning I woke up and checked on my BP to make sure all's well (is there any clean-up needed, etc). When I looked, I'd discovered that he'd shed his skin (as well as defecated/urinated as he often does). As always, I inspect him to make sure the shed went well and that there aren't any remaining pieces, and then I look to make sure his spectacle scales came off. His body was practically free of shed skin, but I could not find the neck/head section anywhere, nor any spectacles. I thought that perhaps it just didn't come off so I rubbed my finger near his mouth which usually helps it peel away, but it looked and felt clear. His head had a nice iridescence to it (suggesting to me it was a fresh layer), and I couldn't see where old skin would even start. However, when I did that it opened the side of his mouth a little, and I saw a dark coloration in near his gums and teeth. At first I was concerned he had some sort of wound or infection, but upon closer inspection it was a small wad of sloughed skin, so I removed it. The eyes may have been a little dull, so perhaps just the spectacles remain or I'm just overly concerned.

I am now wondering, since skin can obviously find it's way into a BP's mouth, could a much larger piece end up getting in there and be swallowed? I can imagine it might be hard for him to remove it, and so it might just be easier to eat it. And, if so, is there any need for concern about blockages or any other problems? I'm not sure if this is a good sign or a bad idea, but he's already eaten a mouse since this morning (though he's a 4 foot adult he only seems to want mice).

Thoughts? Experiences? I'd love any input. Thanks!

[dr del]

I've never seen any of mine eat their skin but it is possible if it got caught in his mouth.

It certainly wouldn't be likely to cause any kind of problems though.

And eating is always a good sign.

[nightserpent]

Thanks for your reply! I had house guests arrive shortly after making my post and haven't had any computer time since then.

Your reply is an encouraging relief, thank you. The shed skin is made of keratin it shouldn't get digested (just as rodent hair gets passed through), but when it is newly sloughed off it is so delicate and easily torn up. Maybe the eaten mouse could also help break it up or push it through. I've continued to observe my BP, all still seems well!