snake shed assistance

[rachelp]

Hi all

A little over a week ago, our 6-year old diamond just shed for the the first time in about a year. Normally he's a very clean shedder, and if there's any bits hanging on, they're usually gone after a day or so.

This time around, he's left a large strip of skin on his underside near his head. We've tried to get it off, and he even seems to help, but most of the strip is dried and VERY well stuck on.

I think that the best way to deal with this is a good soak, but I just wanted to confirm. Our main problem with the soak is that the extra skin is near his head, and he's a very fiesty fella! Anyone have any suggestions on other methods or handling tips for the soak?

Thanks!

 

[Hawk]

Put him in a damp pillow case or snake bag for a couple of hours, that should help you get the shed off.. Also make sure the bag doesn't collapse around him.

 

[bredli84]

make sure the pillow case is inside-out, snakes can get tangled and injured by the loose threads on the inside

 

[pythons73]

Thats the first time he has shed in a year,that doesnt sound right,do as others suggested.Has anyone else had a snake that has only shed once in a year.My biggest,6-7foot sheds atleast 4-6 times a year,smaller ones 6-8.

 

[Gavin]

How often are you feeding him? and what are you feeding him?

 

[serpenttongue]

Rachel, i dont breed them feisty!

A lot of my diamonds have also had bad sheds this year, and exactly the same thing happened to one of mine a few weeks ago.

All you can really do is give it a good soak in warm water and try to peel it off. Perhaps have a towel in your hands and let your diamond glide through it after a good soak.

If it doesn't come off easily then just leave it. It will come off with the next shed.

 

[rachelp]

Thanks for all the responses... looks like we'll be busting out the damp pillowcase this weekend. Hope he likes pinstripes.

Don't worry serpentounge, we admire 'feisty'! He's not the cuddliest pet in the world, but we didn't get a snake expecting lots of love, rainbows, and fuzziness.

Wonder why the diamonds seem to be shedding badly this year???

 

[rachelp]

oh yes, and as for the feeding thing Gavin... that was addressed in a post earlier this year. He was underfed, but food was increased and all was good.

We too thought it was weird that his shedding stopped after he was moved up to medium rats... he's grown quite a bit since food was upgraded so he must have been itching to get outta that skin!