Scared During a Shed?

:snake:When snakes shed their vision is compromised. People say that you should not handle or feed a snake during this time because not being able to see can make them scared and leaves them blind. We also know that snakes do not primarily rely on vision to percive the world. Do you think it is true that snakes are scared when they can't see during this time?

I definately notice a difference with my BP when she is in shed. She stays in a ball and gets very upset when I move her around.

I think it's a little bit of both.

Snakes don't use their vision as much as, say, mammals do, but their vision is definitely impaired during shed cycle.

I think choice two is worded wrong. Just because they can't see doesn't mean they don't know whats going on around them as they have many other senses. I notice a change in behavior but not to the point that I think he feels very vulnerable. Just a bit more defensive.

with ours it just depends on the snake, our big female doesnt like to be bothered and will stay in her hide but our small female still comes out and doesn't seem to mind eating or being held when she is about to shed.

All my snakes don't like being bothered when in shed. Remember that they're heat pits are also having a layer of skin coming off of them as well, so they're barely able to see, and their ability to pick up heat is blurred as well, the only sense that remains keen is their ability to pick up smells, and just because you can smell something and it is safe doesn't make this slightly lower than normal temperature shadow moving around you is actually safe.

I handle my snakes, while cleaning their cages, when they are in shed. I also offer them food. Some eat, some don't. I don't think that it scares them, and I know that it will not make them go blind.

My snake is in shed at the minute and she is completely different. She hides constantly and rarely moves until the end of the shed when she is emerging from her old skin, she seems completely insecure.
Though if I couldnt use my major sensory organs properly I would be too:)

I think shedding just makes them feel more vulnerable, increasing the snakes nature disposition whether it be flighty or aggressive. I don't really think the loss of vision is what does it though. A complete new skin is forming under that old one and I can't help but think that has to feel weird. When my snakes are in shed I let them be unless necessary, I view shedding as a stressor and like to limit my interactions with them.

I never considered that there was skin over the heat pits, that might be a better explanation for their behaviour during this time

i definately notice a difference when they are in shed they seem more timid and stressed . . . .

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Originally Posted by Toronto Python Gurus

i definately notice a difference when they are in shed they seem more timid and stressed . . . .

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So would you guys say their behavior typically returns to normal directly after shedding, or do they have a 'recovery period'?

Personally I think they are more uncomfortable and they just do not want to be handled. However mine do feed while blue.....I have never had one refuse while in shed however if they did no biggie...I would just move on!!

I don't think "scared" is exactly the right word to describe mine in shed? They're more "pissy."

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Originally Posted by Spaniard

I think shedding just makes them feel more vulnerable, increasing the snakes nature disposition whether it be flighty or aggressive. I don't really think the loss of vision is what does it though. A complete new skin is forming under that old one and I can't help but think that has to feel weird. When my snakes are in shed I let them be unless necessary, I view shedding as a stressor and like to limit my interactions with them.

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I tend to think the same. Mine starts to behave strangely even in pre-blue when his eyes are still ok. I reckon it just feels odd to him.

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Originally Posted by UrdnotWrex

So would you guys say their behavior typically returns to normal directly after shedding, or do they have a 'recovery period'?

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Mine stays in hiding for about a week after, then starts to show himself again.