Shed issue with Punkin

[frankykeno]

Not in a panic here or anything, just looking for a bit of advice. Punkin (the rehome) has been in shed all week with the very blue eyes, pink belly and all that. We've had clear eyes for 2 to 3 days now but nada shedding. Nothing, not one old scale is coming off that poor snake who is being a bit jumpy and refused her feeding this week. The refusal is no biggie, our other snake eats during shed but I see here lots don't. Her temps and humidity are bang on for a good shed, tho she/he refused to use the humid hide.

Is it possible when a snake hasn't shed in a very long time for the whole darn shed to stick? The previous owners could not remember when Punkin last shed, other than to say it had been a long time and they told us Punkin has never shed completely w/o help.

I was thinking to wait to Sunday or Monday and then start once a night hour long soaking. Is this okay or should I continue to wait and hope Punkin at least starts this shed herself? Should I just start soaking tonight?


~~Joanna~~

[NocturnalBC]

OMG!!! get her to a vet asap!!...hahaha j/k
I'd hang tuff and see if she is able to get it off on her own, if your temps and humidity levals are good then everything should come. Make sure she has something to help shed like a rock or ruff branch etc. If you don't see anything by Monday then I'd maybe let her soak but that IMO that should be a last step. I have never had a snake that liked being forced soaked.

[PrincessErica]

Yeah, I get the death glare when I have to soak, my guy HATES it. I'm with Noct, I'd wait a couple days and at least see if it starts. Even with a really bad shed, I'd think you'd see SOME sign that the shed had started. But also like Noct said, if your temps and humidity are all good (70%+ IMO), you should worry not, it'll happen on its own. My guess is you'll wake up one day and find a nice little present all rolled up like a condom somewhere in your tank and you'll do a happy dance that it all went well.

[NocturnalBC]

Cool! a fellow Canadian, nice to see I'm not alone here..

[Adam_Wysocki]

You're jumping the gun. All snakes are different. With only a couple of exceptions I have never seen a snake go through a shed and not have even a small piece come off.

Just relax and wait for it. If it is a full retained shed that needs a soaking, you won't be able to miss it ... it'll look like the snake is wrapped up in a big piece of wax paper and he'll actually make "crinkle" sounds when he crawls through your hands.

And FWIW, only about 50% of my snakes will accept food while shedding ... sounds like you're right where you should be.

Just goes to show that you have to learn how each individual animal "works" and go with it .... one of the many reasons why record keeping is so important when working with these animals.

-adam

[frankykeno]

Yep, hard for me to be patient LOL. I'll wait a few more days and see if Punkin's getting started.

Btw I'm Canadian born....Ontario!


~~Joanna~~