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If you enjoy walking in the woods, you’ve probably seen a long, tissue paper that looks a lot like a snake. This is what is left after the reptile has gone through molt. What? Ecdysis is just another word for shedding of a layer of skin.
Some throwing snakes or shed their skin in one long piece, while others tear it in several places in the process. If you find discarded snakeskin in one piece, consider yourself lucky.
It is interesting to study or count the individual shells and maybe even get a good idea of the shape of the reptile’s head. If you are familiar with the species snakes alive in your area, you may be able to guess which species it was by the appearance of the empty skin.
Check out some facts about how often snakes lose their skin. In addition, discover at what time of year they shed, whether they do not eat food during shedding, and why a snake’s eyes turn milky blue during this time.
Why do snakes shed?
Snakes lose their skin for a number of reasons. First, as a snake grows from infant to adult, its skin does not grow with it. So as this reptile gets longer and wider, it has to molt to make way for another layer of skin to house its larger body. A snake needs new skin, just as children need new clothes when they outgrow their old ones.
A second reason a snake loses its skin is to get rid of parasites or mites. The parasites attach themselves to the skin, so when the skin is removed, most parasites go right away. This reptile cannot wash these parasites off its body, so shedding is necessary.
When do snakes shed?
There is no specific time of year when all snakes molt. They can shed almost any time of the year. Young snakes, in particular, lose their skin about once a week as they continue to grow and develop. In fact, the reptile’s age plays an important role in how often it sheds.
How often do snakes shed?
These reptiles lose their skin throughout their lives. They generally shed three to six times a year. Younger snakes shed more often than older ones. This makes sense because a young snake grows and becomes larger than an adult.
What is the pre-shedding period?
Although the actual shedding process takes a relatively short time, snakes go through a phase prior to shedding. The Python serves as a good example of what the pre-moult period is like for most snakes.
A python’s pre-shedding stage can last from one to two weeks. The skin takes on a dull color and sometimes the underside turns pink. This color change is an indication that shedding or shedding is about to happen. Soon, a python’s eyes turn milky blue. This milky blue color is the result of fluid buildup between the old skin and the new skin above the eyes. When its eyes get this color, this reptile can’t see very well. This is an example of why the molting process is very stressful for a python or other type of snake.
After the skin above the eyes is renewed, the eyes regain their normal color. Then about 24 hours later, the reptile starts shedding the rest of its skin.
The exact amount of time it takes for a snake to shed its skin depends on the species.
What objects does a snake use to help it shed?
Snakes in the wild rub their bodies against rocks, stumps, or even the sturdy stem of a plant. It moves its body over the surface of the object and slowly repels the skin. If a snake lives near a shed or other structure, it can use it to remove its old skin.
A big serpent like a copper head will probably choose a sturdy stump or fallen trunk that he can press against to molt. Alternatively, a garter may only need a small stone to remove its dead skin.
When you find an empty skin in the woods, look around you for a potential surface where the snake did its molting work. It is not always easy to find the place where a snake sheds its skin. Snakes sometimes glide a few feet away, leaving their outgrown skin behind.
Why is the shedding process a little different for rattlesnakes?
Of course, a rattlesnake sheds its skin for the same reasons as other snakes. But they have an additional reason that is unique to them.
Newborn baby rattlesnakes do not have rattles. So a baby can shake his tail as much as he wants, he won’t make a sound! If you look closely at the rattle of an adult rattlesnake, you will see that it consists of segments. These segments are made of keratin. After a baby rattlesnake sheds its skin for the first time, the first segment of its rattle remains. After a young rattlesnake sheds its skin several times, it has all the segments of its rattle.
Do snakes eat when they shed their skin?
No matter what time of year a snake molts, it is not interested in eating before or during the process. The reptile has lost its appetite or may even experience a stomachache from this very stressful and uncomfortable process. After the reptile has completely finished moulting, it will start eating again.
Do snakes sleep when they shed their skin?
These reptiles become very sluggish and lethargic just before and during the molting process. They focus all their attention and energy on getting rid of all that old, outgrown skin.
What are some misconceptions about the loss process?
A misconception is that snakes become aggressive during the shedding period. Not true. When a snake sheds its skin, it feels vulnerable to predators. Often these reptiles stay in a familiar environment during the moulting process. If a snake were to bite someone during shedding, it is because of the stress and uncertainty of the process.
A second misconception is that when you see empty skin, it means the snake is close. Not necessary. The skin may be from a reptile that has moved to another area. In addition, discarded skin can sometimes remain intact for weeks, so it should be examined closely to determine how old it is.
Another common misconception is that snakes sometimes eat their old skin. This is not normal practice for these reptiles. However, other species of reptiles are known to eat their old skin. AN gecko is an example of the many lizards who eat their old skin.
Some people believe that a snake is completely blind when its eyes turn a milky blue. This is not true. Although this reptile’s eyesight has dimmed for a short time, it is still able to see. This means that it is not completely helpless as it sheds its old skin.
What can an owner do to help a pet snake when it is shedding?
Snakes undergo molt whether they live in the wild or are kept as pets. The first thing an owner can do to help a pet snake is learn as much as possible about the molting process. Imagine not knowing why your pet’s eyes turned milky blue!
A reptile that sheds must have access to water. Put some water in a shallow dish so the snake can moisten its skin. This aids in shedding by loosening the skin. Some owners even see their pet curled up in the shallow bowl before shedding begins.
Make sure you have something a snake can rub against. This could be rocks, stones, or a piece of driftwood that has been thoroughly cleaned. Make it as easy as possible for the reptile to move around these objects in its cage.
Keep in mind that this is a stressful time for a snake. So it’s best not to handle it during the pre-shed or shedding period. The snake will probably hide a lot during this time anyway. This is a clear signal that it wants to be left alone. It helps to have a box or small hiding place in the cage for the snake to go to if it wants to hide.
It’s a smart idea to keep the cage in a quiet room when a snake is shedding. This can help calm the snake as it goes through this process.
Next one: Where do snakes live?
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