Question on Shedding and Feeding/Babies

[KephrenJorgensen]

I have 5 ordinoides babies, and they are all together now. One had not eaten since birth until yesteday, and yesterday was the day that all of the food was actually eaten. Will this snake suffer any weakness due to its lack of eating? Also, none of my snakes have shed as far as Ive seen, not since they broke out of the membranes from momma. They were born on August 1st, 2012. Are they not shedding due to a health issue? Do garters eat their sheds as young? How often and how much should I feed them, for I wonder if that may be the issue aswell. They all look and act healthy, and have seemed to grow somewhat, though Ive seen no sheds. Im curious/worried.

[guidofatherof5]

The membrane you speak of would be the egg and the snakes wouldn't have survived if they hadn't gotten out. The first shed usually comes off immediately after birth. It is a very fine, almost ash like shed.
The slow eater might be a little smaller then the others but should catch up.
My baby T.ordinoides get fed every other day and sometimes everyday. To be honest they would eat twice a day if I let them. Very high metabolisms.We would love to see some baby ordie photos.

[ConcinusMan]

I think he already showed them to us. They are Vancouver Island melanistics. I would love to have some.

Sometimes baby northwesterns grow extremely slow at first even if they eat a lot. No growth, no shed. If they're not eating I would suggest brumating them, or at least cooling them way down so there's no activity. Especially since you say they look healthy and are active, but not eating. You don't have to be too harsh on them, but simulating a cold season, then bringing them out of it, often does the trick. They will then resume eating. Northwesterns have an erratic birthing and mating season. Birthing or mating can occur at almost any time of year, including late in the fall. I think that some babies are just "programmed" to overwinter first, then start eating in the spring.

[KephrenJorgensen]

I guess Ill just keep feeding them and loving them until they shed, then I'll worry if they dont shed again. On the topic of the egg, the transparent membrane is the equivalent Im assuming?

[ConcinusMan]

It's the same membrane all eggs have under the shell. The only thing missing with ovoviviparous snakes, is the shell. The mother has temporary fine blood vessels that are attached to this membrane during gestation. This provides gas exchange for the babies. She does their breathing for them. The membrane also keeps out pathogens, fungi, etc. Inside the membrane, is a completely sterile environment while still allowing gas exchange. Although I have no proof, I think that when fully developed babies are born dead, I think something goes wrong with the timing. Mothers blood vessels obviously must detach from the membrane in order for the eggs to move down and out. If this happens too soon before the eggs come out, the babies would suffocate.