Moving a corn snake when about to shed

[pleiadeslion]

A couple of days ago Samson (age 7-ish, 4ft) refused a mouse, and it's been about two months since he last shed, which makes me think he'll probably turn brown soon, then it will be about two weeks until he will shed again, ie around 13/14th February

Comments

[ffutures]

Put the shoe box in there now, or some other container that he can fit inside, and remove any other cover; he'll probably take up residence. Then when you're ready to move take out the container with him inside. If it's smaller than the shoe box, put it in with some porous padding such as rolled up newspaper balls etc. so that he can breathe

Having said that, I'm not sure a cardboard shoe box is sturdy enough for transporting a 4ft corn - I'd personally go for an opaque plastic box with some strong clips etc. to hold it closed.

[pleiadeslion]

Thank you - that is a really good idea re: putting it inside now. I said shoe box for ease of explanation but it's actually exactly that - an opaque plastic box.

[candycornsnake]

Don't worry about it. I have held a corn who was shedding...he used my hand to push back the skin. If he is sweet most of the time it won't be a problem. However I will add this...find a better container than a shoebox. That will be very easy for him to escape from. Even if you tape the top...they can push at a seam in the cardboard and push right on out. Use a small critter keeper or plastic container with holes.

[eisoj5]

I moved 400 miles with my snake in a pillowcase with a knot at the top (I checked very carefully for holes beforehand.) Then the pillowcase went in my big purse, which stayed with me the whole time. It was dark and secure for snakie. And if she had been in blue there was plenty of stuff in my purse (receipts, wallet, nothing sharp) to rub up on if she needed to.

Just another idea :)

[neumeindil]

Seconding the pillowcase. It's the only way we move snakes even when we put them in a box/bag for carrying. (I've lost count of how many shopping mall food courts I've been in to eat with a pillowcase of snake in my purse...) Just move carefully around his head if his eyes are opaque or you risk a bite just because he'll be jumpy. But, I've never seen a snake injured just from being picked up while in shed.

[fallyn]

i've never had issues with my guys when they're shedding, might be a bit jumpy if their eyes are cloudy looking, but i dont think they are at risk of being hurt, more of a risk of you being bit....I also suggest the pillow case, works well and if you want you can toss an extra teatowel or something in for them to burrow/wrap around