Shedding cornsnake???

Question

i have a cornsnake that is 8 months old and for the past twice it hasn't shed its skin in 1 piece. The last time it shed a piece of skin didn't come off of its tail and constricted the tip and i removed it manualy. It bled slightly but the snake didn't seem to mind but now the end of the tail is hard and dark brown. is the tail dying? did i do something wrong removing it? he seems healthy in every other way. p.s he is a sandy colour all over.

Answer 1

Siouxsie is right. We have a young corn snake too. We always keep a roughish surface in his viv for when he's shedding. And my husband has a spray bottle full of water, and he mists the tank twice a day when the snake has just passed having his blue eyes as its easier for them to shed. He has missed doing a full shed once but he got the rest off on his own. You do have to be careful and keep a close eye when they're shedding. if its having trouble when its shedding mist it then go back five mins later and help loosen the last few bits so the snake can get them off itself. Also remember not to feed your snake when its due to shed as it can cause problems.

Yes the tail is dying,if you were forceful removing the skin then yes you caused damage, you should gently stroke the skin and ease it off. Better you know now for the future.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, this not uncommon in younger colubrids. the end of his tail is going to fall off. The skin shrinks a bit and constricts the blood flow, so it died. You really need to watch the humidity in the tank, and make sure he has different surfaces to rub on when shedding. and don't wait days to take off the old skin. You might want to soak him when he is about to shed, right after his eyes stop being blue.

Answer 3

Next time your snake goes into shed after his tummy turns pink  give your snake a week and a half to two weeks to shed on it's own.  If your snake is having a bad shed take a plastic box, large enough for your snake to fit in it comfortably.  Get the short boxes for soaking snakes…the box should be about the height to go under a bed.  Drill several small holes along the sides at the top for airflow (this box can also be used as a feeding tub for your snake).  Put about a half inch or an inch of lukewarm water (about 80 Fahrenheit) and put the top on the plastic tub and “soak” the snake for about 1 hour (changing the water every so often if needed).  The reason to do this in a plastic tub with only a half inch or inch of water is because it's the humidity that this creates that helps the skin loosen and come off easier for your snake.  

Good luck.

Answer 4

Your snake needs more humidity in its aquarium. You can use a water bottle to mist the tank regularly, making sure to get the bedding moist. If you have a heating pad under the aquarium, place the water dish over it, and that will help with increasing humidity. If you use a heat lamp, place the water dish beneath that light for the same effect.

Make sure there are hard edges for your snake to rub against while shedding.

There are also moisturizing products that you can purchase to help your snake shed.

When your snake sheds, inspect it, to see if all of the skin has been removed. Pay close attention to its eyes and its tail.

If your snake still has bits of skin remaining, it is up to you to remove it. Occasionally my boa has shedding problems, especially in the middle of winter when the climate is dry and heaters are on. At this time, I hold her it a partially filled sink or tub, and help peel of the skin for her. The trick is to be gentle and don't force the skin. If you need to pull forcefully, the skin is still too attached, just keep soaking the snake, and try again in a little while.

Good luck!