this past shed i shedded hunter by hand once she started, she started shedding at the tail, not the head. i got worried she couldnt shed so i helped her. i used warm water and gently slid the scales off. she is fine now but can anyone tell me if it can be dangerous to shed by hand in the future and if they can shed by themselves, even if they start by the tail.
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Hand Shedding
- Thread starter Butterz
- Start date
CAV
Dazed and Cornfused
I woudn't recommend repeating that practice.
Scales are delicate and can get pulled away from the softer tissue underneath. You wouldn't want to accidentally harm the snake while trying to help.
Old tissue that is about to shed may flake off in small patches before the actual shedding event takes place. Once the snake is good and ready, it will start the process on its own, from the snout end. The snake will then proceed at its own pace and shouldn't need to be "assisted".
Don't get involved until help is required to remove any remaining flakes. If you husbandry is good this should almost never be required.
Scales are delicate and can get pulled away from the softer tissue underneath. You wouldn't want to accidentally harm the snake while trying to help.
Old tissue that is about to shed may flake off in small patches before the actual shedding event takes place. Once the snake is good and ready, it will start the process on its own, from the snout end. The snake will then proceed at its own pace and shouldn't need to be "assisted".
Don't get involved until help is required to remove any remaining flakes. If you husbandry is good this should almost never be required.
ghosthousecorns
Well-known member
IMO - it's not good to 'peel' your snake. A better way is to let it crawl around through something moist like damp paper towels. They can and should shed by themselves, if it keeps on having problems you can correct those by adjusting the humidity. Misting, covering up part of the tank lid, and providing a water bowl big enough to soak in are a few suggestions that may help.