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Shedding problem
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by Crotalus976 on August 24, 2005
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I have a neonate eyelash viper who is having some shedding problems. He started the process...but he only got the tip of the nose rubbed off and just under the chin. Now, he's just stopped entirely and he hasn't made any progress for 4 days. There is plenty of humidity and I have soaked him regularly. He also has rough driftwood to rub against for shedding. Is there anything else I could do to aid in getting the old skin off? I've never had any problems with this with any other of my snakes. Surely it isn't normal. Any tips would be a great help. Thanks. - David.
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RE: Shedding problem
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by emtnurse on August 24, 2005
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Interesting.. It sounds like you are doing everything right. Maybe uping your humidity more when your snake sheds. That is what I did with my gaboons when they started to shed, and it helped. Bryan.
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RE: Shedding problem
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by Frawgg on August 24, 2005
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I've had eyelashes myself and(KNOCK ON WOOD) haven't had any problems. With my eyelashes, I was fanatically persistent in misting its cage EVERYDAY because the snakes absolutely refused to drink from a water bowl. There is an unmistakable corelation between snake water consumption and healthy skin shedding. In my younger years, I was not as fanatical about keeping water filled in my captives collections and thus, had more shedding problems. Today I keep multiple water bowls in the cages and mist religiously - once in the morning before I go to work, after I get home from work, and right before bed time. I haven't had shedding problems since. Helping a venomous snake shed its skin is a "NO FUN" process and could very well be LIFE THREATENING. As for actually getting the old skin off, the snake (in my experiences) probably won't do it himself. You need to soak the snake in TEPID water with a mild soapy water solution. Dish soap works well. After about 30 minutes, the skin should be softened up enough for it to come off.You need to find a clear tube of coresponding diameter to the snake and a cap for the end, but make sure you provide provisions for the snake to breathe while it is tubed. THIS PROCESS MUST BE DONE WHILE ANOTHER COMPETENT PERSON IS PRESENT. Have hospital phone #'s & antivenin bank #'s ready, as most doctors aren't that knowledgeable about exotic snakebite protocols. Last but not least, health insurance information should be ready. Tube the snake and CAUTIOUSLY proceed in removing the old skin w/ tweezers & Q-tips (w/the long stick) by gently working the old skin back towards the tail (in one piece preferrably). As you can see, this task should not be taken lightly. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE means EVERYTHING in venomous reptile husbantry. Not only is this stressful to you, but to the snake as well. BE careful & good luck!
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RE: Shedding problem
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by agkistrodude on August 24, 2005
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I've never tried it, but I've heard several different people say that if you put the snake inside a damp cloth bag like a pillowcase,(you might want to find one smaller for a neonate)and let it crawl around in it for an hour or 2, all the skin will come off inside the bag.Might be worth a try before you try picking it off by hand. Marty
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RE: Shedding problem
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by tj on August 25, 2005
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I've heard the pillow case trick or a wet burlap sack works well. I've never had a problem with my eyelashes shedding, so I have never tried. It seems that the humidity of the cage may need to go up, if you don't already, I'd suggest spraying or misting at least once a day. Good luck.
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RE: Shedding problem
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by Phobos on August 25, 2005
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David:
I agree with all of the suggestions posted so far and I think you've done everything right so far. The only thing I can think of is the snake it'self is poorly hydrated. Most of my animals will drink if I mist their faces. Just try to get more water into it before the shed.
Good Luck,
Al
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