My corn snake had a hard time shedding this time. I put him in the bath for a while and that helped...?

Question

but there is still some peices left on his body. Is this okay? usually he sheds in one whole peice. The humidity is high, I spray it real good often. This is the first time he has had a hard time. Could it be to moist. I did change his bedding a couple weeks ago, but I think he like it better then the other stuff because he can crawl under it and he often does. The bedding is for corn snakes so I know it isn't poisionous. So, im not sure what else it could be and I don't want him to have to go through that again. Also, what do I do about the extra skin? Thanks for taking the time to read this

Answer 1

What I do to assure that my corn snakes have adequate humidity is I take a plastic water bottle, whatever size is appropriate for the snake, put some water in it, and put the bottle on its side in the terrarium. The snake can crawl in at will to get humidity. (You do have to clean the bottle frequently.)

This works for me. I've never had problems with sticking sheds.

Answer 2

For now, I would just keep the giving the occassional bath or make a humidity chamber (depending on the size, an upside down deli container or plastic box with moistened moss or paper towels inside). I'd also review his environment to make sure everything is within the ranges it should be. Don't try to pull any old skin off- it may still be attached to the newly-forming scales and harm his skin.

You don't say what type on bedding he's on now or had been on. While it's doubtful that the bedding is the cause, don't assume that it will necessarily be good for him - there are lots of products that are sold in the "average" pet store that shouldn't even be on the market!

I'm including a link with info about problem sheds - you can also go back to the home page and follow the links for snakes to see if there is any more info on corn snakes in particular:

http://www.anapsid.org/shedding.html#prob

Answer 3

Make sure you have the correct humidity for your snake. You say high, but do you have a hygrometer (tells you what the humidity is sorry if you know what it is)?

You can soak him in luke warm water for about 15 minutes, make sure it is not any deeper than he is thick, you do NOT want to drown him. Make sure the container you use has air holes in it too. This is something you can do every time you notice him getting ready to shed. It adds a little extra moisture to the skin and helps it come off in one piece.

There is also a product called "Shed Ease" that is safe to use on them even their heads and eyes. You can get this at most good pet stores. You can use this instead of soaking too, though it is more expensive.

Some stores sell "snake caves" that you can put some damp moss in so they have a little humid hide to hang out in, anytime they want.

Make sure your water dish is big enough that your snake can get all the way in and soak itself (not a substitute for the 15 min bath soak).

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Answer 4

What are you using to measure the humidity in the cage? I would suggest you get a digital hygrometer(you can get one at Wal-Mart for around $12 by Acurite).

To answer your question. It is alright for him to have extra pieces stuck on. They won't hurt him as long as they aren't connected all the way around his body. If they are this could cut off circulation to the rest of his body. The pieces will come off in the next shed. However, if you want them off or they go around his body get a Tupperware container, put luke warm water in it just deep enough to cover the snakes back(not deep enough to make it swim), and let him soak for about 30 mins. Then let it crawl through a towel and the pieces should come off.

Next time just make sure your spray his cage more often and maybe a few more soaks would help.

Answer 5

i wouldn't worry too much about it.. it sounds like your doing everything you should to keep him healthy and happy..

but one thing i do when my snake does not shed completely is i take an old pillowcase and run it under warm water and then wring it out so that it is fairly wet but not dripping.. and then i stick my snake in there.. they seem to love it, and it seems that it creates the right humidity for them to shed.. ive found that when i give them a bath it sometimes gets them so wet that their skin sticks to them instead of sloughing off

Answer 6

Put a warm, wet towel in a plastic feeder box (with airholes) and let your snake crawl around on it for awhile. Then gently peel the skin off, he'll appreciate it.