Got my royal (my first snake) a week ago. Six years old, tolerates handling well (or at least seems to--doesn't ball up, eager to slither around and explore, especially face and hair). He was in shed when I got him. Any rate, cleared up a couple days ago and hissed at me when I approached, so I let him be. Sure enough, he shed within 12 hours, complete, all one piece, and back to his non-hissing self. The old skin wasn't the only treat in his cage. Also a big poop and white urate clump. Question: Is this just coincidence, or do they commonly relieve themselves when they rid themselves of their skins?