Feed when shedding?

IF the snake allows me to handle it, is it ok to feed him while he is shedding? If not it is no problem, I am just wanting to know if it's safe to do so or not since today would be a day included in his feeding schedule!!

If my snakes are about to shed I still feed them anyways. If they take it they take it if the dont they dont.

It is fine to feed. Many snakes refuse during shed though. Try to feed a few shed cycles you will learn if your snake will eat or not and then feed accordingly in the future.

No harm in offering. Two of my four will eat in shed. I haven't attempted the fourth one yet since I just got her.

OK, cool thanks for the advice, will try a little later and let yall know!!!!

Yup, can't hurt to try. Most of mine will usually eat when in shed, just not blue. My bee however, has never missed a meal and will eat completely blue.

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No hurt in offering

Whats the best way to pick him up as he is in blue and I would like to TRY and not get bit although I stuck the tongs in around him and he just moved away so I dont think he will snap....but you never know!

Why are you picking him up? If you are trying to move him, don't. He will probably not eat from being stressed out and moved, and, that's a good way to get bit, messing with snake that's hungry, shedding, and can't see very well. Just feed him in his tank.

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I dont do that, I make sure to feed him in a container I have specifically for it!!! I have heard it cuts back on them biting you, and I also heard as long as you don't have the scent of the hairy food they wont do it, but I am just playing it safe!!!

But I guess I can wait till Friday to feed him instead, he did just eat this past Friday!!!

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Originally Posted by hypnotixdmp

I dont do that, I make sure to feed him in a container I have specifically for it!!! I have heard it cuts back on them biting you, and I also heard as long as you don't have the scent of the hairy food they wont do it, but I am just playing it safe!!!

But I guess I can wait till Friday to feed him instead, he did just eat this past Friday!!!

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You're more likely going to get bit by feeding him in a separate container. Cage aggression is a myth. Picking him up when he's in "food mode" could end you up with a bite.

I feed in the enclosure. I keep my hands far away once they know foods here(prescnting)

I have yet to have been bit. I've been struck at for going in to get the mouse my snake didn't want. I moved a bit too fast.

i always feed mine a day or two after they were in blue and they eat and shed that same day. as for feeding in a separate container i personally never had an issue my snakes never stressed out and always ate, i'd say it's up to you wether you feed in it's enclosure or separate.

OK, ended up offering him a mouse in his own cage, he loved it, at that sucker quicker than I have seen him eat any other lol.

Does him eating when in shed mean he is comfortable and not stressed out?!?! Also, he chills outside of his hide a lot on the warm side. doesn't really move, but doesn't mind not being under his home, does this mean he is not stressed!?!?! lol sorry, just wandering what the different things snakes do means!!

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Originally Posted by hypnotixdmp

OK, ended up offering him a mouse in his own cage, he loved it, at that sucker quicker than I have seen him eat any other lol.

Does him eating when in shed mean he is comfortable and not stressed out?!?! Also, he chills outside of his hide a lot on the warm side. doesn't really move, but doesn't mind not being under his home, does this mean he is not stressed!?!?! lol sorry, just wandering what the different things snakes do means!!

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That's how I see it. Of my three BPs that use their hide, one will also go behind her hide, one lays next to his hide, and then one that hardly ever comes out of his hide. I think if they aren't stressed, they don't feel the need to "hide" and are comfy enough to know they can lay wherever they want and not be bothered or in danger. That's just my opinion.

There is a very slight risk with feeding during a shed. The soon to be shed skin is not as elastic as normal skin is it is possible to have a snake 'stuck' in the shed. This causes extreme stress and if left un aided and the shed dries out can be many times more serious. (the shed cannot stretch over the undigested rat lump) I think it is important to mention there is a possibility however remote so you can make an informed choice rather than assume there is not any issue at all.

Quoted from another thread very old.
my post (same question)

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

Some snakes will eat during a shed however late in a shed the old skin becomes less elastic and if a large meal was offered the snake may not be able to get the shed over the meal lump and that can lead to all kinds of issues. Generally I don't offer during a shed and if I was too I'd go very small. It is not common at all but it has happened.

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The next post,

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Originally Posted by Maixx

I had this happen with my pastel, ever since I take them off food as soon as they turn opaque. He ended up with this tight band of skin right above his stomach, that I had to cut off he ended up very stressed, and I ended up helping him finish that shed.

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It is very rare but does happen a member here had this issue.

Personally I don't offer at all. Over the life of a snake and a possible 2400 feedings a few misses isn't really any issue at all. If I was to feed I would suggest go light (2-5%) to reduce the possibility.