Comments on: Common mistakes new snake owners make – Avoid all 5

By: Adam L

Adam L — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 21:40:00 +0000

Shedding is a complicated set of cycles. When Ouroboros’ eyes are no longer milky or “in the blue,” I’m allowed to handle him as normal. This is usually when I give him a 20 minute soak (he might want less, let him leave) in distilled water no deeper than himself, and about 5-10F above room temperature (one minute on stove at med for me; results -VARY-).
This is good so he can have a proper shed. He will still be in the old skin but is no longer scared and doesn’t threaten me at this point, though he is reticent to be moved; it’s wise to be gentle yet assertive and not to let him change your mind without a hiss or thrash.

For feeding, seven to ten days should be okay for an adolescent; have not owned a baby but have read that five to seven is just fine. Two weeks is okay now and then for mature snakes.

Don’t be afraid of a baby snake bite. It’s good for him to bite you once or twice, because you will feel no pain. Their teeth are like Velcro at this point.
Obviously snakes don’t learn, so failure to intimidate you doesn’t tame him. But it’s the best opportunity you have to safely acclimate him to his new God.

And I really hope your son or daughter is already good with cats or dogs or something, it’s hard to tell when snakes are in pain as there is no yelp or any face we can read. I hope I’ve helped you and your snake, take care.

By: Darren_rout

Darren_rout — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:03:00 +0000

i always handle my snake about an hour after she has shed and she has never bit anyone. i would probs leave your snake for about a day since its still soo young nd cud get a bit snappy but snakes are only usually snappy during their shed not after it. and if your snake will take the feed early then it will be fine but it might not want it so early i feed my snake twice a week nd she’s only 2

By: Nicki

Nicki — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 22:53:00 +0000

I just got a baby boa about two weeks ago, and I’ll say he just went through his first shed cycle. Im worried because I haven’t really been able to handle it too much. I’ve only held it twice in the two weeks. I still am not fully ok with having a snake…kids choice. Now I’m worried it will be angry or bit since I haven’t held it. How long should I wait after his shedding cycle before I can really try? Another thing is I am going out of town for 5 days, I was told I could feed him early since I wont be there for his feeding day…will be ok, or cause issues?

By: Darren_rout

Darren_rout — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:57:00 +0000

hi i have a 18 month old corn snake but she hasnt shed her skin since october thats wen i got her ant previos owner sed she shed the day i got her i keep her tank at the right temp and handle her quite alot
can you help me ?

By: lucy

lucy — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:19:00 +0000

thanks a lot! i now know why my snake hasn’t shed for 7 weeks!