Key Takeaway:
- Crested geckos shed their skin regularly throughout their lives as part of their growth and maturation process.
- Shedding can be an indicator of the gecko’s overall health, with a well-fed and hydrated gecko shedding their skin in one piece, while one that is stressed, dehydrated, or suffering from a health issue may shed in patches or have difficulty shedding at all.
- To ensure a smooth and stress-free shedding process, it is important to provide the crested gecko with a comfortable and supportive environment, including increasing the humidity in their enclosure and offering them more hiding places.
Crested geckos are one of the most popular reptiles kept as pets, and they have many unique features that set them apart from other species.
One of these features is their shedding process, which can be quite different from what you might expect from other reptiles.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on crested gecko shedding, covering everything from the signs that your pet is about to shed, to the steps you can take to ensure a smooth and stress-free shedding process.
Why Do Crested Geckos Shed?
Crested geckos shed their skin as a natural part of the growth and maturation process.
As they grow, their skin becomes too tight and restricts movement, so they shed it in order to make room for their new, larger size.
Shedding also helps to remove any parasites, such as mites, that may have attached themselves to the skin, and it can also help to remove any injuries or abnormalities that may have developed.
In addition, shedding can also be an indicator of a healthy crested gecko.
A well-fed and hydrated gecko will shed their skin in one piece, while a gecko that is stressed, dehydrated, or suffering from a health issue may shed in patches or have difficulty shedding at all.
It’s important to note that while shedding is a natural process, it can also be stressful for crested geckos, so it’s important to provide them with a comfortable and supportive environment during this time.
This may include increasing the humidity in their enclosure, offering them more hiding places, and monitoring their behavior to ensure that they are shedding properly.
At What Age Do Crested Geckos Shed?
Crested geckos shed their skin regularly throughout their lives, starting when they are just a few weeks old.
Juvenile crested geckos tend to shed more frequently, typically every 1-2 weeks, while adult crested geckos may shed every 2-4 weeks.
The frequency of shedding can also vary depending on factors such as the gecko’s overall health, diet, and environmental conditions.
For example, a crested gecko that is well-fed and hydrated and living in optimal conditions may shed less frequently than one that is experiencing stress or living in suboptimal conditions.
Signs Of Shedding
Here are some signs to look for when your crested gecko is about to shed:
Dull skin color
As a crested gecko prepares to shed, its skin may start to look dull and lose its luster.
Softening skin
The skin may also feel softer and looser and may start to separate from the body.
Restlessness
Crested geckos may become more active and restless as they prepare to shed.
Rubbing against objects
Your crested gecko may start to rub against objects in its enclosure, such as branches, rocks, and walls, in an attempt to help loosen and remove their skin.
Loss of appetite
In some cases, crested geckos may lose their appetite or become less interested in food just before or during shedding.
Increased hiding
Crested geckos may also increase their hiding behavior as they prepare to shed.
How Often Do Crested Geckos Shed?
Here is an estimated table of the frequency of shedding in crested geckos based on their age:
| Age | Frequency of Shedding |
| Newborn to 6 months | Every 1-2 weeks |
| 6 months to 1 year | Every 2-3 weeks |
| 1-2 years | Every 3-4 weeks |
| 2 years and up | Every 4-6 weeks |
It’s important to note that this table is just an estimate, and the actual frequency of shedding in crested geckos can vary depending on factors such as overall health, diet, and environmental conditions.
If you notice that your crested gecko is shedding more frequently or not at all, it may be a sign of a health issue or stress, and it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
How Do I Know If My Crested Gecko Is Shedding?
It’s normal for crested geckos to shed their skin regularly throughout their lives, and there are several signs that you can look for to determine if your crested gecko is shedding.
These may include a dulling of the skin color, softening of the skin, restlessness, and rubbing against objects in their enclosure.
What Do You Do When Your Crested Gecko Is Shedding?
While shedding can be a stressful process for crested geckos, it’s a normal and healthy part of their growth and development.
To help ensure that your crested gecko is shedding properly, it’s important to provide them with a comfortable and supportive environment, including increasing the humidity in their enclosure and offering them more hiding places.
Here are some steps you can take when your crested gecko is shedding:
Provide a comfortable and supportive environment
Increase the humidity in their enclosure to help with the shedding process, offer them more hiding places, and monitor their behavior to ensure that they are shedding properly.
Leave them alone
Let your crested gecko do its own thing during the shedding process.
Avoid handling them as much as possible, as this can stress them out and make the process more difficult.
Offer a moist hide
Provide a moist hide in their enclosure, such as a damp paper towel or a piece of sphagnum moss, to help with the shedding process.
Offer a soaking dish
Provide a shallow dish of water in their enclosure, as this can help increase the humidity and make it easier for your crested gecko to shed.
Be patient
Shedding can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, so it’s important to be patient and let your crested gecko shed at its own pace.
Monitor for any issues
Observe your crested gecko closely during the shedding process and monitor for any signs of problems, such as retained skin or difficulty shedding.
If you notice any issues, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
By providing a comfortable and supportive environment and being patient, you can help ensure that your crested gecko sheds properly and stays healthy.
How Do Crested Geckos Shed?
Crested geckos shed their skin in a process known as ecdysis.
This process is triggered by the growth of new skin cells and the subsequent separation of the old skin from the body.
During the shedding process, the outer layer of the skin loosens and begins to separate from the underlying layers.
The crested gecko then rubs against rough objects in its enclosure, such as branches or rocks, to help the old skin come off.
As the old skin begins to come off, the crested gecko will continue to rub and scrape against objects in its enclosure until the entire layer of skin has been shed.
The new skin underneath is then exposed and will continue to harden and darken over the next few days.
The shedding process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, and it’s important to provide your crested gecko with a comfortable and supportive environment during this time to help ensure that it goes smoothly.
How Long Does It Take A Crested Gecko To Shed?
The length of time it takes for a crested gecko to shed can vary, but it typically takes anywhere from a few hours to several days.
The exact amount of time it takes for a crested gecko to shed depends on a number of factors, including the size of the gecko, the humidity in its enclosure, and the overall health of the gecko.
In general, younger and smaller crested geckos tend to shed more quickly than older and larger ones, as they have a smaller surface area and less skin to shed.
Meanwhile, crested geckos that are healthy and have a well-maintained environment will generally shed more easily and quickly than those that are stressed or unhealthy.
Can You Hold A Crested Gecko While It’s Shedding?
It’s generally not recommended to hold a crested gecko while it’s shedding.
Shedding can be a stressful and sensitive process for crested geckos, and handling them during this time can make it more difficult and uncomfortable for them.
Additionally, handling a crested gecko during shedding can cause the old skin to come off prematurely, which can lead to retained skin or other problems.
Should I Leave My Gecko Alone When Shedding?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to leave your crested gecko alone when it’s shedding.
This allows the gecko to shed in peace without being disturbed, which can help make the process smoother and less stressful.
4 Shedding Problems
Shedding problems can occur in crested geckos from time to time and can range from minor to severe. Some of the most common shedding problems include:
Retained skin or Stuck Shed
This occurs when old skin does not come off completely and can lead to infections or other health problems if left untreated.
Difficulty shedding
This can happen if the humidity in the enclosure is too low, or if the gecko is suffering from a health issue such as an infection or dehydration.
Incomplete shedding
This occurs when only part of the skin comes off, and can lead to issues with mobility and cause discomfort for the gecko.
Shedding in patches
This occurs when the skin comes off in pieces rather than in one whole layer, and can indicate a problem with the gecko’s health or environment.
Do Crested Geckos Hide When They Shed?
Yes, it’s common for crested geckos to hide when they are shedding.
During the shedding process, crested geckos may feel vulnerable or uncomfortable, and they may look for a secure and secluded place to shed.
By hiding, they can reduce the risk of injury or disturbance during the shedding process, which can help make the process smoother and less stressful.
If your crested gecko is hiding during shedding, it’s important to give it plenty of space and let it do its own thing.
Do Crested Geckos Shed Their Eyes?
Unlike some other species of reptiles, crested geckos do not have a specialized process for shedding the skin around their eyes.
Instead, the skin on their eyes simply sheds as part of the normal shedding process along with the rest of their skin.
It’s important to keep in mind that crested geckos may have trouble seeing or navigating during the shedding process, as the old skin can cloud their vision.
Do Crested Geckos Eat Their Shed?
Yes, crested geckos can eat their shed skin. This is because crested geckos are omnivores, and they can benefit from the extra nutrients that are contained in the shed skin.
Eating their shed skin can also help crested geckos to keep their environment clean and free from debris.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all crested geckos will eat their shed, and it’s not necessary for their health.
If your crested gecko does not seem interested in eating its shed, there’s no need to worry. As long as your crested gecko is eating well and staying hydrated, it should be healthy and happy.
If you do notice that your crested gecko is eating its shed skin, it’s important to make sure that the skin is not contaminated with any chemicals or harmful substances, such as insecticides or cleaning products.
Stuck Shed On Crested Gecko Toes – What To Do?
If you notice that your crested gecko has stuck shed on its toes, it’s important to take action as soon as possible.
The stuck shed can cause discomfort and even infection if left untreated, so it’s important to remove it as soon as you notice it.
The best way to remove the stuck shed from a crested gecko’s toes is to use a warm and damp cloth to gently rub the area.
You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a Q-tip to help remove the shed. Make sure to be gentle and avoid using any sharp or rough objects, as these can damage the delicate skin of your crested gecko.
If the stuck shed does not come off easily, you can also try increasing the humidity in your crested gecko’s enclosure.
By increasing the humidity, you can help to soften the skin, making it easier to remove.
You can also offer your crested gecko a warm bath, as the warm water can help to soften the skin and make it easier to remove the stuck shed.
Summary
Crested gecko shedding is a natural and important part of their growth and development.
To ensure that the shedding process is smooth and stress-free for your pet, it’s essential to provide them with a comfortable and supportive environment, increase the humidity in their enclosure, and monitor their behavior.
Understanding the signs of shedding, such as dulling skin color, restlessness, and increased hiding, can help you to recognize when your crested gecko is about to shed and take the necessary steps to support them during this process.
