How to Help a Shedding Reptile
All living things, even humans, in some way or another, shed their skin. If you own a
reptile, there are some things you need to know about how they shed their skin so
you can aid in this process. If you own a reptile and really don’t know much about
the shedding process, read on to learn how you can help them shed their skin
comfortably.
Tortoise/Turtle Shedding
Tortoises and turtles, both aquatic and terrestrial, shed the skin of their head, neck,
limbs and tail on a regular basis with the skin coming off in pieces. If your terrestrial
reptile’s skin is too dry, it may hang off the body in pieces, looking like tattered rags.
A quick spray with water or having him sit in a shallow pan of water is generally all
that is needed to allow the process of skin shedding to happen naturally.
Sometimes turtles shed their plates on their shells in thin layers one by one; reptile
owners should not pull the layers off but instead, let them fall off naturally. If you
provide a constant source of soaking water for a pet (a shallow bath) such as a
tortoise, they will stay in it to the point of causing shell rot, so it’s important to
monitor your pet to avoid this and other problems. Please keep in mind that
excessive shedding in turtles and tortoises is not normal, and if you notice your pet’s
skin is continuously shedding, you should take them to a vet.
Lizard Shedding
Iguanas and other reptiles in this class are very popular pets, so here is some
information you will need to know if you own one of these reptiles. Prior to a
lizard’s shed, you will notice that the he starts to change colors, and his overall color
will get dimmer and duller. Lizards start shedding around the head and hands, and
gray or white patches will start to appear (it will look as though he’s wearing a
glove). These patches will appear first on the head, then back, arms, then tail, as the
different areas get closer to shedding. Typically, lizards start shedding at their
heads, with the progression going down the body, limbs, and finally, the tail.
The skin on lizards’ eyelids will also shed off; its closed eyes may become puffed out
2-3 times their normal size. But this is supposed to happen as they are puffing them
up with air as a way to loosen the old skin. In a few days, you will notice them
rubbing their closed eyes against any surface as they begin to loosen and rub the
skin off.
Spray with natural tap water to help complete the shedding process. Your pet will
be very grateful, happy and healthy.
More on Lizard Shedding
How often a lizard sheds depends on its age. Young, growing lizards will shed more
frequently than older lizards. Iguanas, for instance, will shed every four to six weeks
and more often during peak growing seasons. Since shedding reflects normal
growth, infrequent shedding (once or twice a year or less) indicates a trip to the vet
is necessary.
With lizards, you should never ever attempt to pull or tear off loose pieces of skin
that aren't coming off on their own. This may damage the forming scales growing
underneath his skin and make him more susceptible to mites. Here are some tips to
aid your lizard through an incomplete or improper shed:
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Make sure there are plenty of things for your lizard to rub up against in his
terrarium
Place a shallow container of water in his home to soak in
Larger lizards can be soaked in a lukewarm tub of water (water temperature
of approximately 80-85 degrees) for about 10-15 minutes; never leave him
unattended in the water
If, after these steps are taken, your reptile shows signs of a problematic shed, please
contact your vet.
Snake Shedding
The frequency of snake shedding is dependent on many factors such as age, species
nutritional/reproductive status, skin parasites or bacteria, and the temperature and
humidity of their environment. Younger snakes will shed more frequently than
adults and shedding often precedes mating and giving birth. Snakes will show signs
shedding is about to occur: their skin becomes dull, their eyes become cloudy (kind
of bluish), and they act nervous (mainly because they cannot see well).
Snake shedding will progress from nose to tail and will usually take 7-14 days. Don’t
handle your snake if he shows signs of impending or active shedding. A snake will
generally not eat during his shed, so don’t force him to eat. After the shedding
process is complete, remove the shedded skin and check his body and eye caps to
make sure the shed was complete.
As with other reptiles, consult a vet if the shed doesn’t occur completely or seems to
be problematic. Healthy snakes will shed once a month, and if your snake is fed
properly and the humidity in his environment is set correctly, shedding should be a
smooth process. Malnutrition, improper humidity, mites, bacteria and over handling
may cause shedding problems.
To learn more about taking care of your reptile, check back to the Zen Pet Supplies
blog, and for all your reptile equipment needs, shop online at Zen Pet Supplies
today.