How to Help Your Corn Snake Shed

Corn snakes, like other reptiles need to periodically shed their skins as they grow larger. Although it is natural for snakes to shed, the process can be difficult. As such, it is important to help your corn snake shed by providing appropriate terrarium conditions. It is further important to recognize when your corn snake is about to shed so you can monitor its condition and act appropriately. Maintain appropriate terrarium humidity by building a humidity chamber. Soak the snake in warm water if necessary and seek veterinary care if the snake appears to have difficulty shedding.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 to 12 inch shallow plastic dish with lid
  • Shallow plastic dish without lid
  • Knife or scissors
  • Water
  • Sphagnum moss or coconut fiber
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Instructions

  1. Building a Humidity Chamber

    • 1

      Remove the lid from a shallow, 10 to 12 inch diameter plastic dish and cut a 6 to 8 inch diameter hole in the middle of the lid.

    • 2

      Soak enough sphagnum moss or coconut fiber in water to fill approximately one third of the 10 to 12 inch diameter container for one hour. After soaking, drain any excess water.

    • 3

      Place the moist moss or coconut fiber in the bottom of the container and place the lid back on the container.

    • 4

      Place the newly made humidity chamber in the snake's aquarium and re-soak the moss or coconut fiber whenever it dries.

    When the Snake is About to Shed

    • 5

      Monitor your snake for signs of readiness to shed -- signs include pale, dry-looking skin, cloudy eyes, and lethargy.

    • 6

      Wait for the snake's eyes to turn clear after they have become cloudy. This indicates the snake is ready to shed.

    • 7

      Soak the snake in lukewarm water in the bottom of a shallow, lidless dish for approximately 10 minutes.

    • 8

      Place the snake back in its aquarium -- continue to monitor the snake's condition and seek veterinary care if the snake appears to be having difficulty shedding.

    • 9

      Wait for the snake to shed. Shedding may be evidenced by the presence of a molted skin, or by the return of the snake's normal skin color.