Wow CCHardwick! I do not know how you keep track of so many! I have two, and they each have their own monthly/yearly calendar book. (You can get them at the Dollar Store, for peeps that are reading and learning like me!) I keep track of everything from feeding, pooping, shedding, cage changes, even their social behaviors. I take my snakes into the public frequently so I need to monitor habits and moods. They both had a bath, got a mineral oil rub, and then ate yesterday. They were looking miserable this morning. Both were all crackly and wrinkled. I took them each out for another 30 minute bath. After their baths, when I know they are ready to shed completely I put a wet washcloth on their back, hold it down, and let them slither. It will peel off at least 30-50% of the skin. Then I gently hold little pieces, and if it gives right away I take it, but I DO NOT force it. They both had excellent peels this morning! I had to pick off one eye cap off Mikey, and as soon as I did he turned and looked straight at me, slithered up to my nose, and gave me a kiss. He's been off balance on his sticks yesterday, so he's glad to see normally again. Then they both got a mineral oil rub again, and I put them back home. They will get their cages changed tomorrow.
To be specific.... I never feed in their house. They are always moved to a separate bin for feeding. That way they NEVER mistake me for food. Also I never feed live. They gladly eat warmed frozen if I put on a puppet show, swinging the mouse in their face to make them notice and attack. I was told by one of the gentlemen at my snake shop to put it IN THEIR FACE if they refuse for a bit.
I also put them in a separate swim bin for 30 minutes with one of their rocks from their house. They can swim around and rub on their rock, or just rest on their rock if they want. I often find large pieces of skin when I empty it. Once I take them out, I give them the spa treatment with the washcloth and oil. They have gotten used to it, and they love it because they feel so much better afterwards.
That being said, my Harvey gave me a soft hiss when I went to pick him up this morning. He did not really open his mouth this time, but he has before. That means he feels really crabby and sore, so I'm careful. I still moved him with bare hands. Can you imagine having all of your skin fall off at once?!? He made me nervous enough for a while that I got a hook and leather gloves. Now he's fine. Once he's done with his spa treatment, he goes back home and marches around to rub against anything to take of the rest of the skin. My Mikey absolutely looks like a rich chick at a spa. He sits still to let me rub the washcloth, and then sits up and acts all important with the oil rub. It's funny!
Anyway, my boys are very spoiled, but they have to be in order for me to trust letting 5 year old children handle them. I miss them so much right now, because they are finishing shed, and they normally get daily holding time (at least 30 minutes, but last week Mikey wouldn't let go for an hour and a half). Tomorrow they get cage change and we will be back to normal. I hate shedding time, because I feel bad and I can't hold them as much.
Thanks for posting CC, this was extremely timely for me. And, if I had as many as you do, I would feed in their homes as well. Mine are specialized for social stuff, so I'm extra careful.
Any input from you CC, or any moderators, please, please put it right here so we can all learn!