Quick question about shedding.

[angrygamer]

This morning I got to observe Glyph shed. It took all of about 15 minutes, and went very well I'm happy to report, in one piece.

As soon as he was down to his vent, he pooped/peed. I'm wondering if, during any period building up to the shed the old skin coming off constricts the vent, thus rendering snakes unable to do their thing.

Maybe that's why some don't eat before.

[guidofatherof5]

I observe very little of this behavior but if I remember other members have reported this occurring quite often.
Maybe this behavior is to add some moisture to help ensure the tail section will shed properly. Just a thought.

[angrygamer]

Very astute, I hadn't thought of that.

[chris-uk]

I've not seen it with any other of ours, and no sign of any poo on the sheds I've found either.

[EasternGirl]

I saw Cee Cee poo while she was shedding the last time...I was thinking, come on don't get poo all over that perfect shed because I want to save it....I think there were some urates mixed in too. Cee Cee is a poo machine though so...no big news that she pooed while shedding.

[guidofatherof5]

Cee Cee poo. Sounds like a nickname.

[angrygamer]

Well looking at the shed now, there is a contour for the vent...but there isn't any opening.

[EasternGirl]

I would think they would have to be able to go before a shed. Although, I do know that right before a shed the nares can become obstructed by skin and cause wheezing...so maybe that happens right before a shed in the vent area too...all very interesting to ponder...