If you’ve noticed your snake beginning to shed, you may be wondering exactly how long of a soak is necessary to help them through this process smoothly. Providing a nice long soak during a shed helps supplement the increased humidity demand and allows the old skin to soften for easier removal.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: aim for 10-20 minute soaks once a day when your snake is in shed. But keep reading for more details on creating the ideal soak setup, knowing when it’s shedding time, monitoring progress, and potential issues to watch out for.
Identifying When Your Snake is Ready to Shed
Physical Signs of Shedding
As snakes prepare to shed their skin, you may notice some physical changes in their appearance. Here are some common signs that your snake is getting ready for a shed:
- The snake’s eyes will become cloudy or blue-colored. This happens as fluid builds up between the old and new skin layers.
- The skin will start to look dull and opaque. It may also develop a whitish sheen.
- You may notice the skin becoming wrinkled, especially around the lips or on the belly.
- The snake’s colors might start fading and appear less vibrant.
These changes are totally normal and signal that your snake is in the process of shedding properly. The eyes clearing up marks the end of the shedding cycle.
Behavioral Changes
In addition to physical changes, you may notice some differences in your snake’s behavior when it’s ready to shed. Here are some common behavioral signs of shedding:
- Increased hiding and less activity. Your snake may hide away more than usual in its hides or plants.
- Rubbing against objects in the enclosure. Snakes will slither against rocks, branches, and decor to help loosen the skin.
- Lack of appetite. Many snakes won’t eat during shedding since they feel vulnerable.
- More defensive or nippy attitude. Snakes become more irritable as their skin loosens.
- Restlessness. Frequent movements may indicate your snake is uncomfortable during shedding.
Being aware of these behavioral changes can clue you in that your snake is gearing up for a shed. Paying close attention helps ensure the shedding process goes smoothly.
Preparing a Soaking Tub
Choosing an Appropriate Tub
When preparing a soaking tub for a snake during the shedding process, it’s important to choose an appropriate tub. The tub should be large enough for the snake to soak comfortably, but small enough that you can maintain the right water temperature.
For most adult snakes, a 10-20 gallon plastic tub or tank works well. Make sure there are no sharp edges or anything the snake could get caught on. A tub with smooth sides is best.
Filling with Warm Water
Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water – around 85-90°F is ideal. The water should feel pleasantly warm, but not hot to the touch. Using a thermometer helps get the temperature just right. Adding a plastic hide or something for the snake to wrap around can make the soak more secure and comfortable.
Only fill the tub deep enough to cover about half the snake’s body when it’s submerged. Too much water can be stressful for the snake.
It’s better to start with shallow water and add more later if needed. Purified or dechlorinated water is best, as tap water chemicals can irritate the snake’s sensitive skin during a shed. A touch of pet-safe water conditioner can help ensure good water quality.
Modifying Temperature as Needed
Check the water temperature often while the snake is soaking. As it cools, add small amounts of warm water to maintain the ideal 85-90°F range. Don’t let it drop too far below 85°F or the soak won’t be as beneficial. Having a thermometer right in the tub makes it easy to monitor.
Extend the soak time if the water cools – 20-40 minutes total is usually sufficient.
If the tub is too small relative to the amount of water, it can be hard to keep an appropriate temperature. Larger tubs hold heat better. Adding a heating pad or heat lamp can help maintain warm temperatures, but monitor closely to prevent overheating.
With the right tub setup and temp monitoring, soaking in properly heated water stimulates circulation and loosens skin for a clean, full-body shed! Just be sure to carefully observe the snake at all times while soaking.
Soaking Sessions: Timing and Duration
Frequency
When it comes to soaking sessions for shedding snakes, the frequency will depend on the individual needs of your snake. Here are some general guidelines on soaking frequency:
- Shedding snakes should be soaked every 2-3 days during the shedding process. This helps keep the old skin hydrated and allows the new skin underneath to separate properly.
- Some snakes may need more frequent soaking, like every other day, if they are having an especially difficult shed. Pay attention to your snake’s specific needs.
- Once the snake has completed its shed, soaking frequency can go back to normal (about once a week).
It’s important not to overdo soaking sessions. Too much moisture can lead to scale rot or respiratory infections. Use your best judgment based on each snake’s comfort level.
Soak Duration
When soaking a snake, aim for 10-20 minutes per session. Here are some tips on soak duration:
- Start on the lower end (10 mins) and gradually increase to 20 mins as the snake seems comfortable.
- Watch for signs of stress like excessive movement or gaping. Shorten the soak if needed.
- Ball pythons often enjoy longer soaks of 20-30 mins. But scale it back if the snake seems stressed.
- After 10 mins, gently rub the belly scales with a wet cloth to help loosen skin. Do this for a few mins, then let snake soak again.
Proper soak time allows the snake to absorb moisture without getting too stressed. Pay attention to each animal’s tolerance and adjust accordingly for comfort.
Monitoring Comfort and Progress
While soaking snakes, keep an eye out for these signs of stress:
- Excessive movement side to side
- Trying to climb out of soak container
- Gaping mouth repeatedly
- Open mouth breathing
If you notice these behaviors, gently return the snake to its enclosure. It may be stressed by the soaking session.
Signs the soaking is helping the shed:
- Eyes begin clearing over multiple sessions
- Skin develops cracked/peeling appearance
- Blue color fading, especially on belly
Make notes on each soaking session. Track the snake’s comfort level, how long it soaked, and any progress with the shed. This info can help optimize future soaking sessions.
With attentive, individualized care and monitoring, soaking sessions can safely aid snakes through the shedding process.
Providing Proper Humidity
Enclosure Upgrades
Providing proper humidity is crucial for snakes during the shedding process. One of the best ways to do this is by upgrading your snake’s enclosure. Glass tanks often do not retain humidity well, so switching to a plastic tub or PVC enclosure can help maintain higher and more stable humidity levels.
Make sure the enclosure is escape-proof with a secure lid. You can further boost humidity by covering part of the screen lid with aluminum foil or a towel. Finally, use a few inches of cypress mulch, coconut fiber, or sphagnum moss as substrate, which will help hold moisture.
Microclimates
Creating “microclimates” within your snake’s enclosure is another excellent humidity strategy. Place a plastic hide box with a humid hide inside on the warm end of the tank. Use sphagnum moss or a damp paper towel in this hide to create a humid retreat.
You can also put the water dish over a heat mat to increase evaporation. Spraying down one side of the tank in the evening can help maintain higher overnight humidity as well. Just be sure to allow the substrate to fully dry out in between misting to prevent scale rot.
Commercial Humid Hides
There are also commercial humid hides available that make maintaining proper humidity straightforward. Humid hides are enclosed chambers that can be filled with a damp substrate like sphagnum moss. Popular options include Exodus humid hides and Zoomed reptile humid hides.
The hide helps concentrate moisture on one end of the tank. Just be sure to check it daily and add water as needed to keep the substrate moist. Using these humid hides in combination with cypress or coconut fiber substrate is an effective way to provide proper humidity for hydration and shedding.
Signs of Problems in Shedding
Stuck Shed
One of the most common issues snake owners face is stuck shed, which occurs when the snake is unable to fully shed its old skin. This can happen for a few reasons:
- Low humidity – Snakes need a humid environment to loosen the old skin so it can come off cleanly. If the enclosure is too dry, the skin will stick.
- Dehydration – Snakes that are not drinking enough water can become dehydrated, causing the skin to stick.
- Shed cycles interrupted – Sometimes a snake will begin to shed but is disturbed before the process completes, leaving some skin behind.
- Lack of rough surfaces – Snakes often use rocks, logs, etc to help rub off stubborn pieces of shed. Without these, it’s easier for bits to stick.
Stuck shed, if not dealt with, can constrict blood flow, cause loss of toes/tail tips, or even infection. It’s crucial to maintain proper humidity and hydration, and provide rough surfaces that aid shedding.
If those steps don’t resolve stuck shed, a reptile-safe soak or using a wet q-tip to gently remove pieces may be necessary.
Incomplete Sheds
Another common problem is incomplete shedding, when the snake is unable to fully shed its skin, leaving large pieces behind. This is usually caused by the same issues that lead to stuck shed – too little humidity, dehydration, interrupted shed cycles, etc.
Incomplete sheds can become a major problem if the unshed pieces wrap tightly around the snake’s body, constricting circulation.
Prevention is key – ensure the enclosure humidity is ideal (50-60%), provide a large water dish, don’t disturb a shedding snake, and include rough surfaces. Monitor closely for stuck shed, and address it right away.
For an incomplete shed, a longer soak in shallow warm water can help hydrate the skin and allow the snake to slither out of the retained shed.
Abnormal Shedding Frequency
Healthy snakes will shed their skin on a regular cycle, depending on age, growth rate, and species. Younger, faster growing snakes may shed every 1-2 weeks, while adults shed less often, maybe once a month or longer. Dramatic changes in shedding frequency can signal an underlying issue.
Shedding too frequently may indicate dehydration, poor nutrition, parasites, or illness. It’s important to have a reptile vet examine the snake. They can run tests to check for parasites, infections, or other problems leading to excessive shedding.
Improving hydration and nutrition while addressing any illness should restore normal shedding patterns.
Shedding too infrequently can mean the enclosure is too cool or dry. Snakes typically won’t shed if conditions are not ideal. Boost the temperature gradient to proper levels, increase humidity, and ensure adequate hydration. The snake should resume normal shedding cycles once husbandry is corrected.
Significant changes in shedding habits deserve investigation to identify and resolve any husbandry issues or health problems. This will get the snake back on track with its natural shedding rhythms.
Conclusion
By staying observant of physical changes and providing supportive soaking sessions, you can help ensure your snake sheds completely without issues. Aim for 10-20 minute soaks around once per day while the shed process is underway.
Coupled with proper humidity in the enclosure, your snake will return to normal in no time.
