Fake Sheds?

[justinsane82]

I'm still rather new to the BP world and have only had my first for just over a month and my second for a few weeks. On my newer snake, a few days ago I noticed his eyes cloud up as if he was heading into a shed. For the last few days he's spent most of his time in his hide and I was thinking it was like my other snake and liked to hide during his shed. I open his tank today to check on him, lift his hide, he's really dry, no shed skin his eyes are no longer cloudy. Almost like he faked the whole thing lol. What am I not aware of here?

[SquamishSerpents]

after the "blue" period is clearly visible, the snake actually "clears up" and goes almost completely back to their usual colors. if this is what you're noticing, expect a shed within a few days.

[justinsane82]

Oh really? I thought once they eyes went foggy that a shed was to follow immediately. So just to confirm, it goes foggy, back to normal and then a shed soon after? Also, from the time you first notice the eyes change, is it normal for the snake to be more drawn to staying in his hide?

[SquamishSerpents]

yep, you got it! and yes, it's definitely normal for your snake to hide while in shed. i try not to handle my snakes while they're shedding, as i'm sure the shedding process is uncomfortable for them. also they hide more because their vision is actually slightly impaired when shedding. it's generally a stressful time for your snake

[justinsane82]

Thanks so much. I've been rather worried. I feel rather bad now as I had to remove him from his tank to check temps and set up a rheostat. Thanks again.

[Vypyrz]

Just make sure you keep the humidity up around 70% until the shed is done...

[snakecharmer3638]

Looks like everyone has answered your questions.

Just thought you would like to look at this thread.

(http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74289)

It explains the shedding process.

[Kaorte]

I would say that bps spend more time in their hides during the shed process, but they normally spend about 90% of the day hiding already anyway.

If your snakes is wandering around its enclosure (especially during the day) I would take another look at your husbandry.