Shed Frequency question

[PnyKlr]

I have two corns that I bought from a breeder at the exact same time. I assume that they are close to the same age (there is only about a 2 inch length difference between the two).

My female snow has shed twice this past month (once every two weeks) with the last shed having come on Monday. I didn't notice her go into blue; I am still figuring this one out.

Yesterday, my male normal shed for the first time since I have gotten him. I know that this is the only time because I could tell when he was in blue.

The normal's shed was darker than the snow's shed, and I assume that this is the way it should be. Should a young snake be shedding as often as every 2 weeks? Should my normal be shedding more often?

Just a few basic questions. Thanks!

 

[Slippery Ernie]

Are they in the same cage? Could you have mistaken the normal's shed for the snow's?

 

[dawnrenee2000]

How old are they?

 

[PnyKlr]

Same cage: yes, but with a divider.

Age: Not terribley sure. I bought them as "hatchlings" from South Mountain Reptile. Do they stay as hatchlings until they are yearlings (I assume 1 year old), or is there a step inbetween? I fed them a single pinky each when I first got them, bumped up to double pinks shortly after, and they have just had their second feedings of 1 fuzzy each.

Even if I were to place the sheds side-by-side, one is longer than the other (snow) and the other has some darker sections (normal).

Basically, I have 3 sheds from 2 snakes in 4-5 weeks.

The snow's first shed was god-awful and I had to help with a warm cloth. I figured that the male would be due to shed, so I created two humid hides (one for each corn). Both spent much of their time in the humind hides, but I figured that the snow just liked the conditions, and that the male (normal)was due to shed. I noticed when the normal was in blue, and he shed 2 days later. I did not notice (nor suspect...although I figured it was too soon and wasn't looking) the snow go blue.

 

[erisan]

The snake that shed twice probably just had a growth spurt and needed to shed it's skin again. I wouldn't worry too much as long as it seems healthy in all other aspects.

 

[Tula_Montage]

The snake that shed twice probably just had a growth spurt and needed to shed it's skin again. I wouldn't worry too much as long as it seems healthy in all other aspects.

i agree :cheers:

 

[zwyatt]

I've personally never had a snake shed twice in one month (well, once. I'll explain in a bit). My fastest growers go about once a month (maybe a little less). That isn't to say that two quick sheds is unhealthy. It could be for any number of reasons, one of which is increased growth. I've always found it hard to believe a snake can grow so much in two weeks that it would need to shed again, but who knows for sure. :shrugs:
On the other hand, you mentioned the snow had a bad first shed. A second quick shed could be related to that. My opal once had a very miserable shed and she turned around and shed again in about a week. This is the one time I've had 2 sheds in a month.

I would say that shedding once within a 4-5 week period is a very normal average for younger snakes. Most people always say their young ones shed about once a month (myself included). As they age the sheds start to become spaced out a bit more.

As far as shed color goes, I've noticed that my Anery and Blood (especially the Anery) tend to have darker sheds than the rest of my gang. It sort of looks like the shed has been rubbed on some newpaper and picked up some ink.

Long story short...you probably don't have anything to worry about. I wouldn't be surprised for the snow to go back to a more 'normal' shed schedule, and your normal's shedding schedule sounds just fine.