Shedding

[Lumpy]

How often do Garters shed? I think I read somewhere on the site that shedding occurs shortly before a gravid female gives birth?

Are foggy eyes the giveaway for an upcoming shed?

She's still eating like a pig. On that topic let me ask, in the course of them eating, and using bark substrate, is there a concern if they digest any of the substrate while consuming their meal?

Lump

[Sid]

The period between sheds varies from snake to snake. Young, growing individuals will shed every few weeks. As they mature and growth slows, so does the frequency of shedding. Most gravid females do shed a week or two prior to giving birth, but not always.

If you are using bark rather than small shaving the risk of ingestion is less, but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on them during feeding. I move most of mine to empty containers to feed.

[jeanette]

I always use the ready to shed terminology "in blue". i was told this term by a herpetologist and found it really descriptive. when snakes are ready to shed more often than not their eyes go a milky colour with a varying hue of blue colour. I would say if her eyes have gone foggy then she is due to shed, as to her giving birth soon, i havent a clue, im new to garters and finding they are more indepth than a lot of people realise.
Hope for a really big clutch for you :D

[ssssnakeluvr]

she could still ingest the bark which can be a serious problem...just watch and be careful. most garters will shed a week or 2 before they give birth... but not always...my red spot didn't shed before she popped out her babies.