Shedding

The shedding process is vital for a snake's growth. A snake's skin is not like a human's skin although it is made from the same fibers as hair and nails. Reptile skin can only grow so far before it restricts a the growth. In order to grow, the snake must shed it's skin. This can be as often as once every few weeks to once per year. A juvenile's growth rate is more rapid in comparison to that of an adult. 

Crimson currently in shed

When a snake is shedding, their appearance changes. They appear more duller and at a certain stage their eyes cloud over. This is known as the blue phase. The entire shedding process normally lasts for up to fourteen days depending on the breed. To aid shedding, a snake secretes a fluid that lubricates the dead skin which helps it to slide off and they may seem to feel a little sticky at this time. Some breeds of snakes may refuse feeding during this cycle and may also dislike being handled. They may also be very defensive due to their vision being impaired. 

To help a snake shed, there are a few tricks that an owner may like to do.

1. Raising the humidity by spraying the snake with water, or by using moss. Alternatively insert a bigger water dish.
2. Giving the snake a bath in luke-warm water.
3. Inserting more rough surfaced items in their tank.

I myself have witnessed Crimson shedding and this was a magical experience as this process is normally done in private. It sounds like popping the bubbles of a bubble wrap sheet and is exciting to watch, even astounding.

The first sign of a snake actually shedding is hitting their heads on rough surfaces. This is to start the final stage of the shed as it begins at the head. Once they have started, they pull themselves out of the dead skin so therefore when you lift it, it will be inside out. Measuring a snake's shed skin is not an accurate measurement for the length of a snake as they are normally up to 40% bigger than the animal itself.

Rattlesnake

When a rattlesnake sheds it grows another segment on it's rattle, although the rattle can fall off but regrows if this happens.

Problem Sheds

Reptiles can have problem sheds due to many reasons (stress, not enough humidity, illness, past stuck shed, mites, etc). In snakes, pythons find it especially hard as they have heat pits on the front of their head. These make it difficult to rub against the rough surfaces to start the shed. It is vital to ensure that the snake has shed completely. Look at the shed and examine the snake thoroughly in order to spot any skin that had been left behind. This MUST be removed as it can cut off blood circulation and can blind the snake if they have retained their eyecaps. 

If you have a snake with a stuck shed, don't panic, there are things you can do to help remove it. Try the steps mentioned above, otherwise you can try the following;

1. Use mineral oil and a cotton bud to rub gently over the snakes eyes. Rub from front to back and be very gentle.
2. You can also try the tape method for the eyecaps. This involves using tape and rolling from front to back to remove the stuck shed. This does not hurt the snake but don't be surprised if it does not like it. This is for EYECAPS ONLY.
3. Take the snake to a reptile specialist and they may use tweezers to remove the shed. Do NOT attempt this yourself unless you are highly experienced in reptile keeping and know a lot about problem sheds. I would personally recommend seeking specialist advice and help as I know all too well how daunting a stuck shed can be as I have had them with Blaze and Crimson. 

Example of a problem shed