How often?

ManSlaughter33 · 01-15-15, 01:44 PM

How often do boas shed? I know it varies, but can they shed a month apart? I swear Azzy just shed 2 weeks ago, and lastnight she looked dull and her eyes sort of blue. Could she be shedding again already?

Thanks in advance

pdomensis · 01-15-15, 02:21 PM

It totally depends on how much you're feeding and living conditions. 3 weeks is an awfully short span, but it's possible.

ManSlaughter33 · 01-15-15, 02:29 PM

I'm not sure maybe it wa just the light, she was half out of her hide. I'll take a look later.. Was just curious thanks

reptiledude987 · 01-15-15, 02:34 PM

I find when my snakes are young and have a good apitite they shed around once a month. as they get older its longer and longer between each shed. The only factor I've noticed that changes that pattern is when food sizes are increased. Then it speeds the shed cycle up again slightly.

ManSlaughter33 · 01-15-15, 02:36 PM

Shes a year old, and I was told by the breeder to continue once a week feeding for now. Shes on weanling rats. So that's probably why. Thanks !

SSSSnakes · 01-15-15, 05:05 PM

Should also check to make sure the snake does not have mites. Mites will cause a snake to shed also.

reptiledude987 · 01-15-15, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

Should also check to make sure the snake does not have mites. Mites will cause a snake to shed also.

Interesting I didnt know that. I thought the only reason a snake sheds is due to growth.

marvelfreak · 01-15-15, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

Interesting I didnt know that. I thought the only reason a snake sheds is due to growth.

It's one way their bodies help them fight mite. Also part of why they soak so much when they have mite to drown them and to loosen the skin.

SSSSnakes · 01-15-15, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

Interesting I didnt know that. I thought the only reason a snake sheds is due to growth.

Snake will go into a shed to remove external parasites. There is also a disease that snakes can get that will cause them to go into shed after shed. I can't remember what it was called, but I have seen it happen to a snake once.

reptiledude987 · 01-15-15, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

Snake will go into a shed to remove external parasites. There is also a disease that snakes can get that will cause them to go into shed after shed. I can't remember what it was called, but I have seen it happen to a snake once.

Good to know. Thanks.

ManSlaughter33 · 01-16-15, 10:58 AM

Thanks everyone, but I checked her out. I couldnt see any mites.
I know some boas just really like water also.
she's not shedding ALOT. and I looked her over this morning and she doesnt look like shes about to shed. Maybe it was just the light..
Thanks

Snakesitter · 01-16-15, 03:04 PM

They will also shed sooner if the last shed was a bad one, even if they "got it all off'; or after an *exceptionally* large meal.

ManSlaughter33 · 01-20-15, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakesitter

They will also shed sooner if the last shed was a bad one, even if they "got it all off'; or after an *exceptionally* large meal.

Everyone it was just the lighting, she has not shed and doesnt look dull or anything. She doesnt eat overly large food, its appropriate for her size, also she does not have mites

But now I know for the future. Thanks everyone

Snakesitter · 01-20-15, 03:26 PM

Good to hear, ManSlaughter!