Snake fasting but shed twice?
I was debating whether to put this in the hognose section or just Herps in general. I decided to put it in General Herp as the question may be applicable to any reptile and not just Hognoses.
What I have is a hognose that has not eaten for 6 weeks now. He went into shed the first week he refused food (so about 6 weeks ago). Then today, his eyes are blue again. So, this boggles my inexperienced mind that a snake would grow enough to shed skin when he hasn't eaten a thing. Or maybe I don't understand the reason a snake would shed?
Re: Snake fasting but shed twice?
A lot of snakes do this and it's completely normal.
I was asking myself the same question when my female BP shed after not eating for over 4 months! I was shocked, but that's just how they do it. She even seemed fatter after that, lol.
Re: Snake fasting but shed twice?
My carpet didn't eat for four months but shed anyway.
They don't just shed because they outgrow their old skin, but also because it wears off. They need replacements after a while.
As for your hoggie shedding twice in 6 weeks... not everything happens for a reason. They can go without shedding for a long time (my oct. '08 baby ball hasn't shed for at least 5 weeks, and still no signs) or they can shed a few weeks after their last shed.
Re: Snake fasting but shed twice?
They can shed for different reasons (including illness, injury, stress, etc.). Has he fed for you in the past?
Re: Snake fasting but shed twice?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MuzeBallPythons
They can shed for different reasons (including illness, injury, stress, etc.). Has he fed for you in the past?
Yes he has. Every week for 5 weeks. Doesn't take too long either. I put the rat in and 2 seconds later, he's "latched" on. Hmmm... stress. That could be it...
Okay, I'm going to have to recheck all the husbandry. I did make a vet appointment for next week.
