Shed Questions.....

[AlexCaldecott]

Hi,

I have had my yellow belly for around 8 weeks now and he still hasn't shed...

I take it this is fine, just wanted to get some opinions on how often they shed for you?

His temps are 80-90, humidity sits at around 55%.

Feeding once every 5-6 days and he eats like a champ. Never missed.

He's putting weight on. Is there any way of telling how often they should shed based on there weight?

Thanks in advance.

Alex.

Here's the little bugger.....



1.0 Yellow Belly
1.0 Pinstripe
1.0 Pastel
1.0 Pastel Orange Ghost
0.1 Spider
0.4 Corns
1.0 Corn
1.0 King Snake

[Mike41793]

Its not the same for every snake. He's probably due for a shed soon though.

[The Serpent Merchant]

It depends on their age, young BP's tend to shed every 4-6 weeks but longer isn't terribly uncommon while adults may only shed a handful of times a year. They shed when they need to, no need to worry.

[satomi325]

It also depends on how fast they are growing, not just age. Faster growing snakes will shed more often than the slower growing ones. I have a few snakes of the same age, but one sheds twice as much because she's growing at a much faster rate than the others.

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[BHReptiles]

I bet it's just a slow growing snake. I have a BP who is in the middle of her shed cycle when she shed a little over 3 weeks ago for me. I have another who shed almost 6 weeks ago. It really just depends on the snake.

[BWyant]

It also depends on how fast they are growing, not just age. Faster growing snakes will shed more often than the slower growing ones. I have a few snakes of the same age, but one sheds twice as much because she's growing at a much faster rate than the others.

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They're basically just outgrowing their skin when they shed, right? Or are there some other reasons for shedding?

I kind of equate it to human skin really, or fingernails.

[kitedemon]

Basically yes they are out growing the skin. yes a snake will shed for a handful of reasons mostly growth but injury such as a small cut or abrasion will often trigger a shed, mite infestation can as well. Burns rots and many other things will cause a shed often if there is any break in the skin the snake may shed. Breeding cycles, ovulation starting triggers a shed as well. In Boas it is documented that the pheromones released during the shed cycle signal males that she is ready to breed. I have never seen any evidence with pythons but it is a reasonable guess. It is a pet idea of mine that the hormonal smell of a shed can cause a cycle to start in other snakes it always seems that when one starts the others often follow in short order I have had 7 of 11 all in shed in the same week. It seems to many to be random.