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I am often asked questions about shedding, so I have decided 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 case we are specifically talking about skin. Bearded Dragons shed off their top layer of skin revealing their "new" skin beneath. This process
mostly happens due to growing :) Pogona Vitticeps (Bearded Dragons) shed numerous times in their first year.. And slow down their sheds after the first
year; mostly because they are not growing as rapid. There is no "right" time period, as it depends on the individual growth rate and spurts that he/she
may go through.
When bearded dragons are close to shedding; their skin color appears muted and dull. It is important to keep them hydrated during this time as it helps
them to shed quicker thus the shedding skin not annoying them as much. You can assist this with stepping up your misting rituals and/or baths . There
are some products out on the market that aid in this process as well. I personally don't feel it is completely necessary. Baths and mistings usually do
the trick quite nicely.
During your beardie's shed period he/she may not eat as much and sometimes refusing food all together. Don't panic it is perfectly normal behavior.
That being said you don't want your dragon to go without food for a long period of time so misting and baths are a good and necessary thing - to hurry it
along.
You will witness some normal behaviors as well during shedding - like rubbing their face against rocks, branches and even other dragons! They also
scratch at their face and neck with their hind legs (like a dog) now and then. Rubbing their bodies along the bottom of the enclosure, eye bulging (for
new beardie parents this may be the first time you see eye bulging - don't freak lol) and many other amusing things! - All these things are done in efforts
and hopes 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 do not eat
their sheddings. Occasionally you may see one eat a small piece, and that is usually done by mistake. If you see him eat a piece - don't panic it's not
going to hurt him.
I know temptation is great during shed times, but please PLEASE do not try to peel his skin off to "help" him. You can potentially damage the new skin
underneath that may not be completely ready to be exposed not to mention damaging keratinous scales that may not be fully formed yet. In my best
Martha Stuart voice "Its NOT a good thing!"
I know it's hard especially when you see how anxious & frustrated they are - trying to breech the skin and remove it, and how unsightly they are with skin
sticking out all over the place looking like something from a horror flick! lol
Please repeat after me "I promise not to peel & pick!"
When you see him getting frustrated mist him down and/or give him a nice bath also you can try rubbing him gently with a soft toothbrush while he is in
the bath (see Bath Time Page).
Soon you will see whatever surprise he has lurking under the old skin... A fresh new look!
"Shedding is to cast off hair, feathers, skin, or other covering or parts by natural process."
In this case we are specifically talking about skin. Bearded Dragons shed off their top layer of skin revealing their "new" skin beneath. This process
mostly happens due to growing :) Pogona Vitticeps (Bearded Dragons) shed numerous times in their first year.. And slow down their sheds after the first
year; mostly because they are not growing as rapid. There is no "right" time period, as it depends on the individual growth rate and spurts that he/she
may go through.
When bearded dragons are close to shedding; their skin color appears muted and dull. It is important to keep them hydrated during this time as it helps
them to shed quicker thus the shedding skin not annoying them as much. You can assist this with stepping up your misting rituals and/or baths . There
are some products out on the market that aid in this process as well. I personally don't feel it is completely necessary. Baths and mistings usually do
the trick quite nicely.
During your beardie's shed period he/she may not eat as much and sometimes refusing food all together. Don't panic it is perfectly normal behavior.
That being said you don't want your dragon to go without food for a long period of time so misting and baths are a good and necessary thing - to hurry it
along.
You will witness some normal behaviors as well during shedding - like rubbing their face against rocks, branches and even other dragons! They also
scratch at their face and neck with their hind legs (like a dog) now and then. Rubbing their bodies along the bottom of the enclosure, eye bulging (for
new beardie parents this may be the first time you see eye bulging - don't freak lol) and many other amusing things! - All these things are done in efforts
and hopes 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 do not eat
their sheddings. Occasionally you may see one eat a small piece, and that is usually done by mistake. If you see him eat a piece - don't panic it's not
going to hurt him.
I know temptation is great during shed times, but please PLEASE do not try to peel his skin off to "help" him. You can potentially damage the new skin
underneath that may not be completely ready to be exposed not to mention damaging keratinous scales that may not be fully formed yet. In my best
Martha Stuart voice "Its NOT a good thing!"
I know it's hard especially when you see how anxious & frustrated they are - trying to breech the skin and remove it, and how unsightly they are with skin
sticking out all over the place looking like something from a horror flick! lol
Please repeat after me "I promise not to peel & pick!"
When you see him getting frustrated mist him down and/or give him a nice bath also you can try rubbing him gently with a soft toothbrush while he is in
the bath (see Bath Time Page).
Soon you will see whatever surprise he has lurking under the old skin... A fresh new look!
Written by: Robin Moniz 2007
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