The only time you should ever help a snake shed.....

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Posted by Chris H. on May 17, 2001 at 21:05:08:

In Reply to: Black Rat with serious skin problems posted by Colchicine on May 17, 2001 at 10:10:32:

is long after it has had the chance to do it himself. You interfered far too soon!

You should never have to help a snake more than just be soaking. If a snake has gone through its blue and then cleared up completely (usually 5-7 days after the blue is gone) it should shed normally. If you notice that it hasn't shed yet after about 7-10 days, or you notice it is shedding patchily, then you can place the snake in a container with a few millimeters of water for a few hours. A few millimeters means the height of one line of this text, no more! Just use room temperature water.

If you put a rock in the container with the snake, it may help. Leave it overnight and you will find it has finished the shed itself. If there is any skin left on the snake, that will usually come of by letting it crawl through your hands.

BTW - get a new vet. Your vet is clearly not experienced enough with herps. I have never heard of treating a snake with frontline for mites. There are much easier and less toxic ways to get rid of them.

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: is long after it has had the chance to do it himself. You interfered far too soon! : You should never have to help a snake more than just be soaking. If a snake has gone through its blue and then cleared up completely (usually 5-7 days after the blue is gone) it should shed normally. If you notice that it hasn't shed yet after about 7-10 days, or you notice it is shedding patchily, then you can place the snake in a container with a few millimeters of water for a few hours. A few millimeters means the height of one line of this text, no more! Just use room temperature water. : If you put a rock in the container with the snake, it may help. Leave it overnight and you will find it has finished the shed itself. If there is any skin left on the snake, that will usually come of by letting it crawl through your hands. : BTW - get a new vet. Your vet is clearly not experienced enough with herps. I have never heard of treating a snake with frontline for mites. There are much easier and less toxic ways to get rid of them.

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