Kernel, a corn snake, is 3+ years old and is approximately 40" long. Kernel has been a classroom pet since he (or she) was 8" long. He has been shedding about every 4-6 weeks and I have documented his activities. When it is time for him to shed, he will become a cloudy white color and bury himself deep in the aspen shavings until he has successfully caught his skin on a sharp surface and pulled his outer layer of skin inside out from his head to his tail. Kernel is now a bright and colorful snake.

After shedding, Kernel will peek up through the shavings indicating that he is hungry for a mouse. I will place him in a smaller container for feeding and the whole swallowing process takes about 5 minutes or less.

This meal is then followed with a long drink of water. He is then ready to bury himself again to digest his mouse.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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