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shedding skin

chipmunk

New member
Hi, I've only had my corn snake for 2 weeks and he's already looking like he's going to shed his skin because he's gone all milky coloured and his eyes are milky looking too. I think I shouldn't handle him while he's like this but how long will it be before he sheds his skin? He's been like this for 3 days already.
 
This "milky" look is called being in blue. It varies as to how long it takes for a snake to shed, but generally between 7-10 days. The next phase will be for the snake to lose the blue and look like it shed, even though it doesn't shed. Then after about another 2-3 days, it will finally shed. Make sure the snake has plenty of water during this period. Some people will mist the tank or add a moist hide to aid in shedding.

You can handle and feed while the snake is in blue and before it sheds. It is up to you. But some snakes get very nervous during this period.
 
thanks

thanks for the info. We tried to feed him the 1st day we noticed the change, but he didn't eat. He did though strike at the mouse and started to eat but was startled and didn't eat it. Tried a 2nd time but he "spat it out" again and went into his hide. He just doesn't seem interested, but he does seem a bit nervous. Since he didn't eat 2 days ago when he was due a feed, should we wait until his next feed is due in 5 days?
 
You can handle and feed while the snake is in blue and before it sheds. It is up to you. But some snakes get very nervous during this period.
Everything Rich said... except... it's up to your snake whether it will tolerate being held during this time, or is willing to eat. It's up to you to figure out what your snake wants.
 
our snake is abit feisty when blue and can be abit of a striker, she will eat tho but once out of the blue just before shed wont eat
 
some snakes will feed when blue others wont, my corn will eat anything anytime. dont worry if they refuse the mouse wait untill it has shed then offer again. Oh yes after sheding make sure to check your snake has shed properly paying special attention to the tip of the tail and eyes
 
after sheding make sure to check your snake has shed properly paying special attention to the tip of the tail and eyes[/QUOTE]

Why is important to make sure all of his skin is shed? what happens if it doesn't completely shed? what should I do if there is still skin on the tail or eyes?
 
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