Q&A for How to Care for a Shedding Snake

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Is shedding painful for snakes?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Shedding isn't painful as a lubricating layer of moisture builds between the old and new skin. However, snakes do feel vulnerable while shedding and tend to hide away.

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Question

What do snakes do after they shed their skin?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

After shedding their skin, the snake goes back to their normal habits and routines.

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Question

Can you feed a snake while it's shedding?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, you can offer food. However, most snakes go off their food while shedding and will refuse to eat. If you don’t know your snake’s habits well enough yet to know whether or not it’ll eat its food, then you can always try giving it something to see what happens. If you decide to offer food to the snake, it can decide for itself if it wishes to eat but if it chooses not to, then remove the food to avoid rotting and bacterial problems.

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Question

Is shedding stressful for snakes?

Jeff Jensen
Reptile Specialist
Jeff Jensen is a Reptile Specialist and the Owner of The Reptile Zone out of Bend, Oregon. With decades of experience with reptiles and wildlife, Jeff specializes in providing advice and guidance on proper reptile care. As a former science teacher and employee of the San Antonio Zoo and an accomplished herpetologist, Jeff’s dedication to knowledge and ethical pet trade practices led to The Reptile Zone being awarded a “Mark of Excellence” Award by Intrepid Marketing in 2018.

Jeff Jensen

Reptile Specialist

Expert Answer

It can be, but if you care for the snake properly, the shedding should be no problem. For instance, make sure to keep its environment humid throughout the process.

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