Feeding while in shed

[MalachiJ]

I've herd all kinds of mixed opinions on feeding while they're shedding. He's still a juvenile, clearly in shed, but still active at night. Tonight is his scheduled eating night, what should I do? Thanks in advance

[KMG]

Some will eat, some wont.

If you have something to do with a refused feeder you could try. If not you may just be wasting money.

I personally wait.

[C2tcardin]

I agree with KMG, if it's your only snake then why chance wasting a feeder unless of course you feed live. As for the snake every one is different I have some that will eat even when in blue, and I have others that absolutely refuse when even the slightest hint of pre shed is indicated. If you have several snakes then it becomes easier, I have several large females that I know will pound down a treat between normal feedings. I know of several guys who also keep a Retic in their collection and refer to them as garbage cans as they will eat anything and everything thrown into their tubs.

[BCS]

If this is your snakes first shed while in your care, it does not hurt to find out if he will or will not eat during a shed. I have two ball pythons that do eat when in shed, the rest don't. Knowing this, I know to offer my snakes who do eat a prey item, and those who don't, I know to not even try. However, it will not harm your snake to skip a week while in shed, but this is personal choice. Try it, and if he does not eat, with his next shed, you know not to offer anything.

[Lizardlicks]

Yeah, I agree with BCS. Offer the feeder. If he takes it, you know he eats, if he doesn't you never have to worry about trying to feed him while he's shedding again. Both my girls will eat, even in deep blue, so it really varies from snake to snake. If he's been an out going confident feeder up until this point, you've got good odds.

[MalachiJ]

I feed live right now and have plenty of them. Pretty sure he's going to eat, never refused a meal. Ate the day after I got him! Was just making sure it wouldn't disrupt the shed cycle. Thanks!

[MalachiJ]

He took the mouse as soon as he saw it, thanks everybody. The shed also went well not sure if anybody here was on an earlier post about him possibly being sick, was just dry spots. All went away with shed and he looks GREAT

[DVirginiana]

Glad those spots were no big deal. They looked weird.

Mine eats live and has never refused food during a shed. Once when she was apparently so close to shedding that the first few scales started to peel back while she was finishing up the mouse.