Red Bellied Black Snake not shedding

[Chris101]

Hi All,

Quick question for all the elapid keepers out there. I bought a neonate red belly back in May, according to the breeder he shed some two weeks prior to freighting down to Melbourne.

In the 4 months I've had the little guy he has grown roughly 50% in length, but minimal girth.

He is eating velvet mice once every 10 days, as 2 pinkies were no longer doing the job.

I'm starting to get a little worried, its now time for another feed, should I miss it or at the very least provide him with one and see if he takes it.

I have not noticed any changes in appearance or behaviour.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Kind regards
Chris

 

[No-two]

He will slough when he needs to. Sounds like you could feed him more, most young elapids can grow very fast when you feed them lots. I used to feed mine roughly every 4-6 days.

 

[Chris101]

Thanks for the advice No-two

 

[voodoo]

Get it onto rats...that will help with the girth issue. Also feeder gudgeons /fish in the waterbowls will give it a boost as well.

 

[whyme]

Wouldnt worry about the not shedding thing. I would feed at closer intervals though. Every 4 odd days would be good. And yeah, feed him, dont skip it. They digest pretty quick anyway.

 

[Wrightpython]

They don't necessarily shed due to growth especially elapids and some can go long periods and many of mine eat while they are shedding so don't stop offering food.