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  1. #1
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    Feeding during shed cycle

    I have read countless times that people don't even try to feed during the shed. Are you talking about the entire 10-14 day cycle or more just once their eyes get dark and they have trouble seeing and then getting ready to shed. The last week or so our BP has been staying in the cold hide day and night, which is what he did last time he shed. He has only shed once since we got him in November and it was 8 weeks after we got him. It has been over 8 weeks again so I assume he is about to shed again based on the inactivity. He is still sitting with his head out of the hide at night.

  2. #2
    BPnet Royalty EL-Ziggy's Avatar
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    Re: Feeding during shed cycle

    I don't feed my snakes at any point during the shedding process even though most of them would probably eat.
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    I used to feed some of mine while in shed, but I've since switched to just waiting til after they shed. It certainly won't hurt them to wait, and most refuse anyway.

    Also, typically, the day after a shed they're good and hungry and almost never refuse a meal.

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    BPnet Lifer Bogertophis's Avatar
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    If I notice any sign of shed cycle (cloudy eyes etc) I skip their feeding until after they shed off the old skin. This is what they'd do in the wild, a little fast while in blue
    is just fine. Some of mine would eat, others say 'no', but either way, both shedding & digestion uses up water from a snake's body, so some snakes just do not
    "multi-task" very well, & of those that eat anyway, some (for whatever reason, likely poor hydration that you cannot see) either barf up their meal after eating (only
    partially digested) OR they shed in a zillion pieces (may need help to complete), so I'd rather avoid those scenarios. Once in a while I goof & feed a snake that's
    just going into shed...it's not the "end of the world" if I miss the signs, but I avoid doing so. Regurgitation risks a snake's health, & shed-troubles are just a pain.
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 03-12-2020 at 03:51 PM.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
    Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

    The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~ Gandhi

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