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Shedding is the process by which snakes periodically discard the
outer portion of their skin. This activity is under hormonal control
and associated with growth. Most snakes shed their skin 4-8 times
per year. The frequency of shedding depends upon many factors,
including environmental temperature, frequency of feeding, amount fed
at each feeding, and activity level. Young snakes shed more
frequently than older ones because growth is relatively rapid in the
first few years of life.
Healthly snakes usually have little or no difficulty with
shedding and tend to shed their skins in one entire piece.
Exceptions to this include snakes with injuries to the skin and/or
scales resulting in scarring, and snakes housed in enclosures with
suboptimal temperature and/or relative humidity levels.
The stresses associated with shedding can be substantial. Sick
snakes, those suffering from malnutrition, or those whose health has
been directly or indirectly compromised by poor husbandry experience
delayed and incomplete sheds. These snakes tend to shed their skins
in pieces. In fact, many of the pieces remain adhered to the
underlying skin and eyes (retained eye caps).
The shedding process is preceded by a period of relative
inactivity. This period usually lasts 1-2 weeks, during which time
the eyes begin to exhibit a dull, bluish-white appearance. During
this period, the snake's vision is impaired, which causes them to be
rather unpredictable and sometimes aggressive. The skin during this
period tends to have an overall dull appearance. The underlying new
skin is soft and vulnerable to damage while the outer layers prepare
to slough away.
The eyes again become transparent after 7-15 days and shedding
commences. A snake will make use of any rough objects or surfaces
within its enclosure to help shed the skin. Shedding commences with
the skin of the head. Once the snake has loosened and dislodged the
skin surrounding the mouth and overlying the rostrum (nose), it then
passes between rough objects that can trap the loose skin and hold it
as the snake glides out of the "old" skin. Discarded skin appears
dry and tube-like or moist and crumpled in a solitary heap. Many
snakes defecate after a successful shed, or consume large quantities
of water.
-
Dr. N. Lorica
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