New corn snake owner: Shedding signs, care, and best bedding?

Thanks for reaching out about Nemo and including a photo. Try warm water soaks or a humidity box for short (5-10 minutes) to see if this will loosen the retained skin. You can gently try and peel off but should come off easily. If you believe it is scar tissue, it will be fine, but if an infection site, a veterinary visit needs to be scheduled. Good luck.

Bowie looks as if he is going into a shed. If you're saying he has recently shed, the blue eyes may indicate infection or other condition. The wheezing is concerning since it may indicate a respiratory infection (RI). Ideally, Bowie should be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If a RI is diagnosed, antibiotics can be administered or dispensed.

Any new pet should be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home to confirm good health or to treat any preexisting conditions. If she is having difficulty breathing, she should be seen sooner rather than later in case she has or is developing a respiratory infection. Monitor for lethargy or discharge from the nose or mouth. Increase humidity or soak in warm water to facilitate shedding. You can also use commercial shed sprays that can be purchased online or in most pet stores. Follow this link for more information regarding care of ball pythons: http://www.anapsid.org/ball.html

Snakes typically do not need supplements or extra vitamins. If she is looking dull it is most likely because she is getting ready to shed. Another possibility is improper cage lighting. Do you have a full spectrum lamp on her cage? That helps bring out their coloration. I would recommend coconut husk for a substrate to help hold the moisture in the cage so humidity levels will be adequate. Here is a full care sheet that may answer more of your questions. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Snakes/Green-Tree-Python/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Corn snakes can grow to as long as 5 feet. On average, they grow to 3-4 feet. A 10 gallon tank is too small. At minimum, a 20 gallon enclosure is recommended. A temp range of 75F-85F is best. They do not "need" a UVB light source but seem to be healthier with one. At 2 years of age, it should be eating adult mice. If it can't, feed whatever you can to get it back into a positive plane of nutrition so it can grow properly. Consider an exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to diagnose and treat any pre exiting conditions. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. More information regarding care can be found here: http://www.anapsid.org/corn.html

Thanks for reaching out about Lilith. Check and correct husbandry parameters for temperature range. Try increasing to 90-95 F in the warm end, to try and stimulate the immune system. Continue to monitor for nasal discharge or increased oral mucous. If the condition progresses, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 0-30 minutes. This, along with a gentle abdominal massage, may help her pass the blockage. If it is dries stool, the warm bath may soften it enough so you can wipe her clean. If it persists, have Noodle examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet.