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Rattlesnake shedding problem
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Anonymous post on May 29, 2004
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My Northern Pacific shed for the first time since i have had him. He is my first rattler, and only my second hot. After the shed he still has shed about 4inches left hanging that won't break loose from around the rattle. I need suggestions on what to do and if there are any health problem's. Thanks in advance.
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RE: Rattlesnake shedding problem
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by Frawgg on May 29, 2004
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The best and safest way to remove the skin is to "tube" the reptile in a transparent tube of roughly the same diameter the snake is. Make sure the end is capped off as to prevent the snake slithering out. Also provide a means of ventilation so the snake can breathe during this procedure. You want a CLEAR TUBE so you can MONITOR WHAT THE SNAKE IS DOING AT ALL TIMES! For your safety and the snakes safety. Next, get a bowl of appropriate size and mix a mild soap solution with tepid water. Place 2/3rds of the snake in the tube with 1/3rd (the tail) resting outside the tube. Gently restrain the snake inside the tube with one hand while soaking the tail in the soapy water solution. After a few minutes you should see the old skin beginning to soften. You can then remove the skin with tweezers. I would highly advise to get another competant person to restrain the snake while the other person performs the skin removal. Think safety! The best way to avoid this problem altogether is to provide the snake with plenty of water to drink from multiple water bowls (I have at least 2 in each cage) placed inside the cage. Then make sure the humidity levels are high enough. Also make sure you have some good rubbing spots (a.k.a. rocks,wood branches,etc.). In my experience, if you meet the snakes proper environmental conditions, shedding problems will cure themselves. Please be careful and be safe! I wish you the best of luck!
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RE: Rattlesnake shedding problem
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by RepFan on May 29, 2004
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Although, Michael's suggestion best suits the current situation; I would suggest next time as soon as you notice the eyes clouding up to try the following. First, remove the snake from it's enclosure and bag it in a pillow case and tie it. Second, soak the pillow case in the shower or tub with lukewarm water. You can then place the pillow case with said snake in it and place it in a sterolite or rubbermaid container with vent holes and a lockable lid over night. This normally keeps up the humidity and the snake will shed with no problem by trying to free itself from the wet pillow case.
Hope this helps.
Later,
Todd
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RE: Rattlesnake shedding problem
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by biff on May 30, 2004
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I don't want to seem argumentative, but this "pillowcase idea" sounds a little crazy to me (my opinion). Once a snakes eyes begin to cloud you generally have several more days until they shed, in fact, it's when there eyes clear up again...meanwhile your snake is in a wet pillowcase??? hmmm....
My advice would be (to prevent this issue again) to spray the snake & it's cage lightly once the eyes begin to clear, and provide enough drinking water.
I'd hate to have to bag a rattler in a pillowcase for every shed cycle (which probably isn't too many). The less handling the better.
In fact, you may even get the remaining shed off by increasing the humidity (misting).
It probably goes without saying, but these are some elementary things you should know before having a "hot" snake...like what to do to help your snake shed.
good luck,
Steve
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RE: Rattlesnake shedding problem
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Anonymous post on May 30, 2004
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I would put her in a bucket of warm water with a half a cup of peroxide and leave her for 8 to 10 hrs. She will be beautiful and healthy.
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RE: Rattlesnake shedding problem
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by RepFan on May 30, 2004
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Steve,
You are correct on the waiting till the eyes clear up rather than cloudy. I apologize for my mistake.Thanks for clarifing that. It was late and I was tired at the time of writing the reply. The pillow case process is used for stubborn snakes of mine that tend to retain eyecaps regardless of high humidity and amount of water vessels and cage mistings. This problem is most often with my elapids but I have heard of others species that have had this same problem with the caging at ideal conditions. So, as such I was just passing on the info. I personally feel this process (pillow case) is less stressful to the snake than tubing when desirable humidity levels are already present. Just my own personal choice not the rule. As the postee asked for suggestions that is what I gave them. Sorry, if I have ruffled any feathers in the process. I just tend to help out where I can and try to
keep this a helpful and friendly forum for all to enjoy without the worry of flames and bashing.
Just my .02,
Todd
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RE: Rattlesnake shedding problem
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by biff on May 30, 2004
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no prob todd...i never heard of the pillowcase method...that doesn't make it wrong...
i'm glad we can share different ideas and be civil, that is nice...
;-()
the nice Steve
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