Snake Shedding: What's Normal and What's Not

Key points:

• Shedding is a normal part of a snake’s growth and happens more frequently in younger snakes.
• A healthy shed should usually come away in one piece, including the eye caps and skin around the nose.
• Cloudy eyes and duller-looking scales are common signs that a snake is preparing to shed.
• Correct humidity and access to suitable surfaces can help your snake shed successfully.
• Temporary changes in appetite, activity and behaviour can be normal during a shed.
• Retained eye caps, tight bands of skin, repeated shedding problems or wounds should be checked by a vet.

Snake shedding is a normal part of any pet snake’s life, occurring more frequently while they’re growing and less often once they reach adulthood. If you’ve recently adopted a snake, knowing what is normal during snake shedding can help you recognise when they may need some extra support.

Read on for our snake shedding guide, including the signs of a healthy skin shed, how humidity can help, common behaviour changes and when it’s time to see a vet.

Signs of a healthy vs. stuck shed

One of the key things to keep an eye out for is a stuck shed. While most sheds happen without a hitch, sometimes it can be more difficult for your snake to remove all of their old skin.

Healthy snake skin shedding usually means the old skin comes off in one piece, looking a little like an inside-out sock. You’ll know they’re getting ready for fresh skin when their scales start to look pale and dull and their eyes become a cloudy blue-grey colour. Their eyes will then clear again shortly before shedding begins. From the initial skin changes to the final shed can take around one to two weeks, depending on your snake’s age and size.

A stuck or incomplete shed looks quite different. Rather than coming off in one piece, the skin may remain in irregular patches. Common areas for retained skin include the tip of the tail and around the face and eyes.

Humidity adjustments to help shedding

Depending on your snake’s species, humidity can be an important part of their enclosure conditions. Without enough moisture, old skin can become dry, stick to the new skin and result in an incomplete shed.

Providing a humid area can help, such as adding moisture-retaining substrate like sphagnum moss that your snake can retreat to as needed. Monitor moisture levels, maintain the appropriate humidity for your snake and, once shedding is complete, return it to the normal range recommended for your snake’s species.

Behaviour changes during shedding

If you’re new to snake ownership, or your snake is going through their first shed with you, you may notice some changes in behaviour. One of the most common is a reduced appetite, or they may stop eating altogether during the shed. This can be normal, with most returning to their usual eating habits once the old skin is off.

Even a snake that’s usually laid-back and comfortable being handled may become more reclusive or restless, or spend more time in their water dish. Handling should ideally be kept to a minimum during this time, as your snake may be more sensitive or reactive than usual. Once shedding is complete, they’ll typically return to their usual routine.

Signs during a shed that mean you should see a vet

An incomplete or patchy shed isn’t always a major issue and may resolve with appropriate humidity and suitable surfaces. However, there are some signs that warrant a trip to your local exotic vet:

• Retained eye caps that don’t come away on their own and need careful assessment

• A tight band of retained skin around the tail tip, which can restrict blood flow if left untreated

• Repeated shedding issues over successive sheds, which may be linked to health, diet or enclosure conditions

• Open sores, scratches or swollen areas following a shed

• Refusal to eat after the shed is complete, particularly alongside lethargy or unusual restlessness

If you’re wondering how often do snakes shed, frequency varies with age, growth, health and species. Repeatedly difficult or incomplete sheds, however, are worth discussing with your vet.

What not to do during a shed

It can be tempting to help your snake if they’re taking longer than usual to remove their old skin or the shed is coming off unevenly. However, it’s important to let them shed naturally and know when veterinary help is needed.

Avoid picking at retained skin yourself, especially around the eyes, as this can damage the new skin underneath. Instead, maintain appropriate humidity, provide fresh water for drinking and soaking, and seek veterinary advice if the problem doesn’t resolve within your snake’s normal snake shedding timeframe.

Noticed a stuck shed or retained eye cap on your snake? Book a visit with your local Petstock Vet to have it checked out safely.