For anyone who doesn't know, many (I say many because I can't confirm for certain all do) snake species have scales all over their bodies. This includes the eye, where they have a translucent scale known as an "eye cap."
'
When they're getting close to shedding (usually a few days before), the eyecap will also prepare to come off. During this period it will loosen and separate from the lower layer of skin, causing the snake's eye to take on a cloudy tinge, often with a slightly blue tinge to it-- hence why this phase is often referred to as being "in blue."
Well I went to give my girl a bath today (that isn't my snake in the pic for anyone wondering), and she had her eyecaps on, and I saw this beautiful pic, so I thought I might share info haha. An opportunity to learn something new for anyone who feels inclined.
'
I'm not sure if it itches or not tbh. They don't exactly scratch, but given their old, dry skin is separating from the fresh skin beneath, and is likely tight on their bodies, I can't imagine it's comfortable by any standard. It's part of why humidity is really important for them.
'
It IS a very stressful time for them. It's actually really common for a normally even tempered snake to become very "aggressive" when it has it's eyecaps on. They're barely able to see, and usually extremely nervous, so for some they will lash out at just about anything near them. Handling them is usually best kept to a minimum during this time (for obvious reasons)
@xvarnah Thanks for the information. I also had no idea you had a snake(I know it is not the one in the picture). Well, I won‘t be sending you any Hamsters :)
My ball python always shedded sketchy and I'd have to help. We never could pin down exactly what it was. There was plenty of substrate to rub, the humidity was right, diet right. The vets told us to soak her when she wouldn't soak herself, and that helped slightly, but not much. That's how her eyes eventually got screwed up, the layer over her eyes built up. That took like... 4-5 injections to get cleared up and a surgery.
Anyway, I hope for a happy and healthy shed.
That really sucks :/ did you try a reptile bath? I get some when I get rats for her and give her a bath at least once a week with some of it in the water (it has like aloe and stuff in it) to help soften her scales.
'
I've had to help mine through a couple rough sheds when I first got her, but since then it's been pretty good. Luckily she never has an issue with her eyecaps so far.
'
I think the shed will be good :) again, it's not my girl in the pic, but my snake is in blue at the moment. She had a nice long bath this morning and I'm just letting her be to do her thing now. Lots of humidity and lots of quiet usually makes for a good shed for her
'
When they're getting close to shedding (usually a few days before), the eyecap will also prepare to come off. During this period it will loosen and separate from the lower layer of skin, causing the snake's eye to take on a cloudy tinge, often with a slightly blue tinge to it-- hence why this phase is often referred to as being "in blue."
'
I'm not sure if it itches or not tbh. They don't exactly scratch, but given their old, dry skin is separating from the fresh skin beneath, and is likely tight on their bodies, I can't imagine it's comfortable by any standard. It's part of why humidity is really important for them.
'
It IS a very stressful time for them. It's actually really common for a normally even tempered snake to become very "aggressive" when it has it's eyecaps on. They're barely able to see, and usually extremely nervous, so for some they will lash out at just about anything near them. Handling them is usually best kept to a minimum during this time (for obvious reasons)
Anyway, I hope for a happy and healthy shed.
'
I've had to help mine through a couple rough sheds when I first got her, but since then it's been pretty good. Luckily she never has an issue with her eyecaps so far.
'
I think the shed will be good :) again, it's not my girl in the pic, but my snake is in blue at the moment. She had a nice long bath this morning and I'm just letting her be to do her thing now. Lots of humidity and lots of quiet usually makes for a good shed for her