first shed questions

[Duke and Daniel]

I have read many threads on shedding and am feeling better about some of the new behaviors that Duke is demonstrating, but I just want the feedback from the much more experienced members here!

Duke was due for a feeding three days ago. We offered food and he refused. He seemed very cranky - went to strike at when we went to get him and pulled back in the s position when in his feeding crate. Prior to the feeding, we noticed his eyes were milky and were not glossy at all. He is a snow corn so I don't really notice what others have referred to "going blue". He went into his hide and has not come out that we know of. Usually we see him in different positions all over the viv.

Should we try to feed him again or wait?

The humidity seems fine in the viv (50%), but should I put in a moist hide?

How long will this process take?

Am I correct in thinking he is about to shed?

How often do they shed?

Many thanks to the time others have put into this forum answering (or should I say calming the nerves) newbie questions!

 

[Guruofchem]

The light morphs like snows are notoriously tough to spot shed signs on - you were lucky to see the eyes in that state, in fact. Sounds like you have it under control - you can add a moist hide if it makes you feel better, but 50% humidity should be fine. Make sure there is some decor with non-smooth edges to help catch the shed on - driftwood, plastic plants, and the like all work fine. He may have a few more days of hiding before he sheds, so be patient and don't worry about feeding until you find the shed.

Check the shed skin, looking especially for the two eye caps and the tail tip to make sure those pieces have shed properly - if they did not come off, search for "bad shed" threads on here for advice. Snakes shed at need, but most corns go a month or two between sheds as they grow, then slow down in adulthood. If you see the milky eyes again, it's probably a good idea not to feed given his behavior this time, but behaviors can vary and there is little risk in offering food, aside from the remote possibility of a regurge if he does choose to eat, which is not good for them at all. Regurge risk is what keeps most owners from even offering food if the snake is blue, but I've seen posts from experienced keepers of light morphs who did not catch shed signs and fed their animals, so don't feel badly about it.