Feeding during sheds

[Echristoe827]

Hey I just got my snake about a week ago, and when she gave him to me, he was starting his shed. I know its about time for him to eat as well, but I've heard that you skip the meal during their shed. Is that correct? If so, when do I feed him again? Also, he's been shedding for about 9 days and hasn't come out of his hiding spot once, how can I tell if he's having a hard time shedding, or is too stressed? All of my temps/humidity levels are right.

[Eric Alan]

I tend to avoid feeding while they're in shed. I have a few that will eat, but the majority will refuse anyway so I don't try anymore.

Just continue to make sure your temps and humidity are where they need to be and offer food on the next feeding day after he sheds.

Also, by "been shedding for about 9 days" do you mean he's actually shedding (as in you see shed skin) or is in shed (as in opaque eyes, etc)?

[KMG]

Some do and some don't. I personally do not. Since your snake is new to you I would suggest not feeding until the shed is complete.

[Echristoe827]

There's been shed skin flaking off. And okay I'll wait til next weekend to feed him. He's still not comfortable with me handling him yet anyway.

[rlditmars]

There's been shed skin flaking off. And okay I'll wait til next weekend to feed him. He's still not comfortable with me handling him yet anyway.

If your humidity is correct, the snake should shed in one full piece. If it hasn't come off that way and there are parts that are still stuck, you may want to place him into a warm water dampened pillow case and tie it off for an hour or so. He will slither around in there and the added moisture should help him slough off the remaining dead skin.

Next time he goes into shed use a spray water bottle and mist him at least once or even perhaps twice a day through the shed process. He'll thank you for it.

[Eric Alan]

Proper sheds come off all in one piece and happen relatively quickly. I'd be concerned about proper humidity if I were you - 60-70% during shedding is what is recommended.

[albinos_rule]

I always hold off feeding when they are in shed. I check mine everyday when they are in shed, even if they are in the hidebox, just pull it off a take a quick peek at how things are going.

[Sonny1318]

You need to soak him in warm water (about 85 degrees), at about half his body height for a half hour. Do it once or twice a day. Gently try to assist his shed by letting him slither in a warm damp towel through your hands. Build a humidity chamber. Use a proper size Rubbermaid with an entry hole cut in the lid. Fill this with paper towels on the bottom, and sphagnum moss on top of that. Mist to damp, not soaking just damp. Is far as feeding, it's your choice. I'll offer. If they take, they take.

[Echristoe827]

He's eaten twice now, however he still has some stuck shed. The previous owner told me he always took a long time to shed. I'll guess I'll try soaking him and using the washcloth.

[Skiploder]

Hey I just got my snake about a week ago, and when she gave him to me, he was starting his shed. I know its about time for him to eat as well, but I've heard that you skip the meal during their shed. Is that correct? If so, when do I feed him again? Also, he's been shedding for about 9 days and hasn't come out of his hiding spot once, how can I tell if he's having a hard time shedding, or is too stressed? All of my temps/humidity levels are right.

If your snake will eat while in shed...then by all means feed him.

If he has no interest in food while he is in shed...don't.

Let the snake dictate his preferences to you.