AboutPaul Expertise I can answer specific questions about colubrid snakes (kingsnakes, milksnakes, corn snakes, and Eastern Indigos). I can also answer general question regarding husbandry (feeding, shedding, housing) for most other types of snakes.
I am not an expert in boas or ball pythons so you might consider asking one of the other experts specific questions about these.
**Be sure to read my past answers as you may find your answer there. I receive many of the same questions from different users.**
Experience I have six years of experience in the keeping and breeding of common snakes.
Expert: Paul Date: 6/23/2008 Subject: my baby corn snake
Question My baby snake has been thriving and growing since I got it a few months ago. The most recent shed left a piece of skin on the tip of the tail and the very tip is starting to turn black. I feel horrible! I read that it may lose the tip of its tail now. Is there anything I can do at this point to help make my snake the most comfortable? I've heard that you can use mineral oil to help loosen skin...is this true? Thanks~!
Answer If you haven't already removed the unshed piece of skin you can use mineral oil just like you said. You can also give the snake a damp hidebox made from something simple like a margarine bowl filled with damp moss and a hole cut in the side.
As far as the tail tip, all that you can do is help the skin to shed off. If it's turning black the tip may fall off. There's nothing much you can do about that. It won't grow back but it shouldn't affect the snake's health. Don't blame yourself, keeping reptiles is a bit more difficult than a pet dog or cat. You learn as you go.
