Bearded Dragon Shedding
We are typically asked questions on Shedding, so I have made a decision to write a little something on the subject. "Shedding is to cast off hair, feathers, skin, or other covering or parts by natural process." in this situation we are especially talking about skin. Bearded Dragons shed off their top layer of skin exposing their "new" skin underneath.
This process typically happens due to growing. Pogona Vitticeps Bearded Dragons shed countless times in their first year.. And slow down their sheds after the 1st year ; often because they're not growing as quick. There is not any "right" period of time, as it relies on the individual rate of growth and spurts that he / she may go thru. When bearded dragons are close to losing ; their skin color appears muted and lifeless.
bearded dragon shedding
It's important to keep them hydrated during this time as it helps them to lose faster so the losing skin not upsetting them as much. You can aid this with stepping up your misting rituals and / or baths. There are some products out on the market that help in this process also. I personally do not feel it is totally obligatory. Baths and mistings typically do the job quite nicely. During your beardie's shed period he / she may not eat as much and occasionally refusing food all together. Don't panic it is very normal behaviour. That having been said you do not need your dragon to go without food for a lengthy period of time so misting and baths are a good and required thing - to speed it along. You'll witness some standard behaviors as well during shedding - like rubbing their face against rocks, branches and even other dragons! They also scratch at their neck and face with their hind legs ( like a dog ) now and then. Rubbing their bodies along the base of the enclosure, eye bulging ( for new beardie folks this is going to be the 1st time you see eye prominent - don't freak lol ) and lots of other entertaining things! - all of these things are done in efforts and wants to loosen and rub off the old skin.
Unlike snakes who shed off their skin in one neat piece, Bearded Dragon sheddings come off in patches.
Unlike Geckos, Bearded Dragons don't eat their sheddings. Sometimes you can see one eat a tiny piece, and that is generally done by mistake. If you see him eat a piece - don't sweat it is not going to damage him. I know enticement is great during shed times, but please PLEASE don't attempt to peel his skin off to "help" him. You can probably damage the new skin beneath that isn't be utterly prepared to be exposed not to mention damaging keratinous scales that won't be absolutely formed yet. In my best Martha Stuart voice "Its NOT a good thing!" I know it's hard particularly when you see how concerned & annoyed they're - attempting to breech the skin and remove it, and how unpleasant they're with skin sticking out all over the place looking like something from a horror flick! Please repeat after me "I guarantee not to skin & pick!" When you see him getting exasperated mist him down and / or give him a pleasant bath also you can try rubbing him gradually with a soft toothbrush while he's in the bath ( see Bath Time Page ). Shortly you'll see whatever surprise he has lurking under the old skin... A fresh new look!
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Hi i brought a beardie about a week
Ago
Now and he is 13 weeks old and he is shedding but he is always keeping his eyes closed like he’s sleeping all the time he hasn’t lost any skin from his body or head but has started losing it from the legs i was told that they shed the skin on their eye lids so they keep them closed I have a heat lamp and UV light in one but will get separate in a few weeks to see if the helps I do have sand but I know it’s not in his eyes as he can keep his eyes open for a while and then he closes them again like going to sleep his eyes look fine and he does sit under the heat lamp and is eating his live food and veg as well any advice on whether I have to be worried or not I hav consulted a vet and they have said if it lasts more than five days get him checked out but any advice would be good thanks
My beardie is 17 mos. old I’ve always caught the end of her shedding period but not witnessed the beggining stage. she eats well, is very active and appears to be healthy. I feel like I woke up one morning and noticed that her neck and top of her head area looked white and glossy. At first I thought maybe she could have burned herself with the basking lamp but this morning I noticed that the whiteness spread to her underside as well. I dont see where there is any skin beggining to peel but then it has only been a few days. Is her whole body going to turn like this before it starts peeling?
Ok I just read the shedding info so that it happens in patches has answered my question but when it starts is it as I explained above and how many days does it usually take to start shedding? How often when in the “Adult Stage” after 18 mos. do they shed a year? Also Are fresh strawberries an OK in her diet? she loves them. They werent on the “Do Not Feed List.”