Feed during shed?

So I have been looking info up about feeding during shed, and I can not get a definitive answer on whether I should or shouldnt. Does it matter what stage of the shed or should it not be done at all? What if they are acting hungry should I still offer food?:confused:

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Originally Posted by Dyna Bob

So I have been looking info up about feeding during shed, and I can not get a definitive answer on whether I should or shouldnt. Does it matter what stage of the shed or should it not be done at all? What if they are acting hungry should I still offer food?:confused:

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Depends on the snake and what your feeding it. If the snake was bigger and deep in blue I don't recommend feeding a live large rat that could hurt the snake due to the snake not being able to see. If its F/T or PK then you can try if you like. I have some snakes that will eat in shed and some that wont. IMO, I just don't risk wasting food anymore and just wait till they are at least out of blue before I try to feed.

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Once you offer during shed once or twice you'll learn which snakes will take food during shed and which won't. Some do, some don't.

I don't think there's any harm in them eating during shed...at least I've never had a problem with it.

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Originally Posted by Zombie

Depends on the snake and what your feeding it. If the snake was bigger and deep in blue I don't recommend feeding a live large rat that could hurt the snake due to the snake not being able to see. If its F/T or PK then you can try if you like. I have some snakes that will eat in shed and some that wont. IMO, I just don't risk wasting food anymore and just wait till they are at least out of blue before I try to feed.

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Ahh yes...good point about live. I forgot to mention that. Most of mine eat ft so no...I wouldn't offer live while they're blue...

Thanks for the advice. Especially since he will only eat live.

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Originally Posted by Dyna Bob

Thanks for the advice. Especially since he will only eat live.

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If its small and eats something like pup rats then it would be OK to try even live. Personally I would just wait till he is done shedding and not worry about it. He isn't going to have a problem in the 10 or so days it takes to finish a shed by not eating. Good luck :)

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I offer a small rat every week, even if they are in shed. Sometimes they will eat, other times they will not - and it isn't always the same snake that will eat. I don't leave the rat in for long, but I still offer. If your rats are well cared for and well fed, it shouldn't be a problem.

There is a very remote chance that a snake whom has fed during shed can become 'caught' in the shed, this has been a serious health issue (ref. D&T Barker). It also happened to a member here ages ago.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ling&p=1614348

Not common and very unlikely but it has happened and personally I don't bother offering when they are showing shed sign. Especially in late stages. A skipped meal is inconsequential to the life of a snake.

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Originally Posted by KatStoverReptiles

Once you offer during shed once or twice you'll learn which snakes will take food during shed and which won't. Some do, some don't.

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X 2

You won't know until you try.

I would say with my animals 80% to 90% of them will eat while in shed.