2006-07-23 01:30:50 · 13 answers · asked by czar 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Snakes have skin and scales. They actually shed the outer layer of their scales during a process called ecdysis. They do this for a number or reasons including: repairing damaged scales, stress, and more commonly... growth of new scales. During ecdysis, the outer layer or scales actually fuse together and a lubricant is produeced in order to slough off the old skin. This lubricant is what causes a snakes eyes to turn blue during the shedding process. A snake typically sheds anywhere from a once a month to a couple times a year depending on the growth of the snake, type of snake, genetics, stress, etc. The shedding process usually takes about 5 to 10 days from start to finish.
2006-07-23 04:26:33 · answer #1 · answered by xyz_gd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The don't actually change their skin it is called shedding. As the snake grow larger it shed its skin once or twice a year.
Snakes are very environmentally safe and they keep our Rodents down and such. I use to have a Python, but an accident occured and I had to give him away. I don't want a snake that can grow large enough to eat me much less a dog.
2006-07-23 01:37:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A snake's skin doesn't grow with the rest of their body. So when it gets too big for it's skin it sheds and reveals the new and better fitting skin underneath.
2006-07-23 15:17:43 · answer #3 · answered by Boober Fraggle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Snakes shed there skin as they grow.
2006-07-23 02:49:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because snakes need to hibrnate >>>>> in order to change skin
2006-07-23 01:36:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It betters their chances of getting re-elected to the US Congress. This particularly holds true for Republicans. George Bush has had to shed his last skin, however, since he can't be re-elected. He is pure snake now.
2006-07-23 04:08:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
snakes skin becomes static when it matures and doesn't stretch the way human skin does so they shed to expose fresh live shin that can stretch and allow them to grow.
2006-07-23 02:15:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure exactly...just the way of God created them. Humans change skin, too! Did you know that? I forget how many years it takes....but our skin sheds as we sleep. I think microscopically, you can see it in your mattress....seriously! : 0 )
2006-07-23 01:35:41 · answer #8 · answered by Author Al 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they shed skin to grow
2006-07-23 01:33:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is an inborn trait. They shed their skins.
2006-07-23 01:36:31 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋