No, it is not necessary to take off the shedding of your bearded dragon’s skin. Typically it should come off on its own as they grow and their skin naturally sheds. In some cases, such as if your bearded dragon is in a very dry environment and their skin has difficulty shedding, you may be able to help them loosen it by taking them and giving them a light ‘bath’ in warm water and lightly rubbing the skin with your fingers to help loosen it.
Additionally, this could help to moisten the area and promote shedding. However, if the shedding does not come off on its own, you should contact a reptile veterinarian for further advice. In certain cases, your veterinarian may recommend a calcium supplement or other treatments to help the shedding process along.
What happens when bearded dragons shed their skin?
Bearded dragons often shed their skin as they grow. This process is called ecdysis and is normal for most reptiles, including Bearded Dragons. When shedding, a Bearded Dragon’s entire body may become covered in a whitish-gray outer layer of skin.
As the shedding progresses, a Bearded Dragon will gradually shed its old skin, which will come off in patches.
The shedding process can take anywhere from two to four weeks, and may even require assistance in the form of a humid hide box. It is important to keep the humidity levels in the hide box high when shedding, as this will make the process easier for the Bearded Dragon.
During this time, you may notice their appetite decreasing, as the shedding can be uncomfortable for the Bearded Dragon and can make them disinterested in food.
After the shedding is complete, the Bearded Dragon’s new skin will be brighter and more vibrant. You may also notice their colors are more vivid and that their scales are starting to smooth out.
It is important to note that while shedding is part of normal reptilian behavior, it can sometimes be caused by illnesses or parasites. When you notice that your Bearded Dragon is shedding more than they usually do, or their overall health has declined, it is best to contact a vet and have them checked out to make sure everything is alright.
What to do when your lizard is shedding?
When your lizard is shedding, there are a few things you should do to help. Firstly, it is important to increase the humidity in the lizard’s enclosure. This can be done by misting the enclosure a couple of times a day, putting a humidifier in its habitat, or placing a wet piece of fabric or sponge inside.
You can also put a shallow dish of fresh water in the habitat, as the humidity from this will help your lizard to shed properly.
Secondly, it is important to provide your lizard with a good source of calcium and vitamins to support a healthy shedding process. This can be provided through a reptile-specific diet, and use of calcium dust to help supplement the diet.
Thirdly, it is important to create a safe environment in which your lizard can shed properly. Providing the right tools, such as a hiding spot or vine branches, will help your reptile feel secure so it can shed properly.
Finally, it is helpful to inspect your lizard during shedding to make sure it is going properly. Check shed skin to make sure it is shedding in sections and not in one piece, and look for any hard or soft areas on the skin which could be problematic.
If any shedding issues are observed, speak with a reptile vet to ensure your pet’s health and wellbeing.
Do bearded dragons get angry when shedding?
Generally speaking, no, bearded dragons do not get angry when shedding. Shedding is a perfectly normal process that all reptiles go through. While it is perfectly understandable that your pet dragon may be uncomfortable or irritable at times, they will generally not get overtly angry or show outward signs of aggression when shedding.
That being said, being uncomfortable or irritable during the shedding process is completely normal, and the dragon may be less willing to interact with you or its environment. It is important to give them space and provide a warm and moisture-rich environment during this time to help make the process as comfortable for them as possible.
Last but not least, providing plenty of water and a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamins A, C, and D is key for healthy shedding and overall health in bearded dragons.
What an unhealthy bearded dragon looks like?
An unhealthy bearded dragon will have duller, and sometimes patchy-looking skin. Its scales may appear to be dry, or they may have dandruff-like flakes, which can be indicative of mites. Its eyes may also be squinty or have a discharge, which can be signs of an eye infection or metabolic bone disease.
A lack of energy and appetite can be a sign of malnutrition. Other signs of illness include a bloated stomach, lethargy, discoloration of the nails, feces, or tail, and a loss of coordination or balance.
If the bearded dragon is suffering from a respiratory infection, its breathing will be labored, and it may have mucus in its nose or around its mouth. If a bearded dragon is significantly underweight, its abdomen may appear sunken.
If any of these signs are present, it is best to seek the help of a reptile veterinarian.
What does a dehydrated beardie look like?
A dehydrated beardie will often look and feel very lethargic, with sunken eyes, dry and flaky skin, and scaly patches. Their beard may be dull and faded, and they may have difficulties getting around.
Additionally, they may lose their appetite and they will often look paler and more fragile than usual. Dehydration can also cause a beardie’s nails and skin to become brittle and cracked. In some cases, the beardie’s spikes may look and feel dull, which is caused by the dehydration.
Finally, and most significantly, a dehydrated beardie’s body will appear to be severely affected, with their body looking limp, and their body movements slow and weak.
Can you soak a bearded dragon while shedding?
Yes, you can soak a bearded dragon while shedding. This is a great way to help them get rid of any dry, flaky skin. A soaking solution of warm water and a reptile-safe disinfectant like betadine can help the dragon soften its skin and make shedding easier.
Soaking their whole body, but especially their head and tail, for 10-15 minutes a day will help make shedding easier. Make sure the water is shallow enough for your dragon to stand comfortably on the bottom of the container, as deeper water can be scary and also cause respiratory problems.
After each soak, make sure to thoroughly dry your dragon’s skin to prevent fungal infections. You should only soak your bearded dragon for shedding for a few days until their skin returns to normal, and not continue long-term.
How often do Beardies poop?
Bearded dragons typically defecate every one to two days. The frequency of bowel movements may vary depending on the diet, age, and size of the dragon. Younger dragons, or those with a diet richer in protein and calcium, will generally produce more waste than older dragons, or those with diets consisting of more vegetables and fruits.
Additionally, wild Beardies have been known to go as long as 3 weeks without pooping, likely due to an adaptation that helps maximize nutrients from sparse resources in their natural habitat. Most keepers will recommend offering small, frequent meals as opposed to large meals every few days, in order to keep their dragons ‘regular’.
Should bearded dragons have loose substrate?
Bearded dragons benefit from having loose substrates because they allow them to express their natural behaviours of digging and burrowing. The substrate should be an inch to an inch and a half deep and consist of materials such as wood chips, reptile carpet, or sand.
However, if you’re opting to use sand, it’s important to make sure it is reptile-safe, as some types of sand may harbor bacteria. It’s also important to have adequate hiding places, such as logs and rocks scattered throughout the enclosure, so that bearded dragons can hide if they feel threatened.
Additionally, the substrate should be replaced every two to three months to maintain hygiene and prevent bacteria from building up. Ultimately, loose substrates provide an environment for bearded dragons to explore and express their natural behaviors, something essential for their health and happiness.
How do I know if my beardie is too skinny?
It can be difficult to determine if your beardie is too skinny. However, there are a few key signs that may indicate that your lizard is underweight and needs to be seen by a veterinarian. These signs include: a visible spine, tail and ribs; a very thin midsection; a lack of energy and activity; and thin, light-colored scales.
If you observe any of these warning signs, it is a good idea to take your beardie to the vet to have it checked out. Your vet can conduct a physical exam and possible fecal analysis to confirm if your pet is underweight and formulate a treatment plan to help it gain muscle and weight.
Additionally, you should be aware of how your lizard’s weight should look and feel. Generally, a healthy adult beardie should have a rounded torso and belly, with no visible ribs and a moderate thickness of scales.
If you have any further concerns about your beardie’s weight or general health, it is always best to consult your veterinarian.
What does skin rot look like on a bearded dragon?
Skin rot on a bearded dragon typically appears as particularly dark and necrotic areas of skin which may be red, yellow, or brown in color. These areas start to emit a foul, musty odor and the skin may become loose or start to fall away.
In some cases, the rot may spread to a bearded dragon’s bones, nails, and other organs, leading to pain and difficulty moving. If left untreated, the rot can eventually cause complications such as septicemia, weak hind legs, and death.
If these symptoms are identified early and treated appropriately, however, the bearded dragon’s health can be restored. Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics and appropriate cleaning of the wound to prevent further infections.
How often does a bearded dragon shed its skin?
Bearded dragons usually shed their skin twice a year, although this varies from one dragon to the next. Factors that influence how often a bearded dragon sheds its skin include their age, health, and environment.
Younger bearded dragons tend to shed more frequently as they are still growing. Adult bearded dragons usually shed 1-2 times per season, with the shedding frequency slowing down as they age. Additionally, dragons living in a dry or humid environment may shed more often than dragons living in an optimal environment.
Lastly, a dragon with any diseases, illnesses, or parasites may also shed more frequently than healthy dragons.
Why is my bearded dragon constantly shedding?
Bearded dragons, like many other types of lizards, are prone to shedding, which they do in order to keep their skin (and scales) healthy. When bearded dragons shed, they will usually lose a few scales at a time, as opposed to all at once, as may happen with some other lizard species.
Bearded dragons shed more often when they are growing, usually every few weeks. As your bearded dragon matures, the shedding will slow and occur less often. In addition, shedding may occur more frequently when the environment changes, such as during seasonal shifts or when the temperature or humidity level changes.
It is also important to remember that each bearded dragon is unique, so the rate of shedding will vary from one to another.
How do you tell if a bearded dragon is going to shed?
When a bearded dragon is about to shed, you may notice some changes in its appearance. Its skin may become dull and less vibrant, and it may start to seem dull and listless. The beard, the area around the eyes, and the area around the claws may become a bluish-white, grey, or yellowish color.
You may notice that the scales around these areas start to appear raised. Another tell-tale sign is when the bearded dragon starts rubbing its face and body against rough, abrasive surfaces like rocks, driftwood, and branches.
This helps to loosen the skin, so it sheds more easily.
What are the signs of Brumation?
Brumation is a natural process of dormancy that many cold-blooded animals like lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodiles undergo during the winter months — typically from October to March. Signs of brumation in reptiles include reduced activity levels, appetite, and an overall decrease in energy.
Other signs include hiding for extended periods of time, spending more time in cool and sheltered areas, and a refusal to eat — even favorite foods. Reptiles that are brumating become less responsive to external stimuli, and often seem lethargic, reducing the amount of time they spend awake and alert during the day.
You may also see certain changes in the reptile’s physical appearance. For example, the color of their skin may become darker, and they may lose weight due to their reduced appetite. They may also shed their skin less regularly, as they are not actively growing or having trouble shedding due to lack of food and water.
If you suspect that your reptile is brumating, it is important to monitor it closely to ensure that it remains healthy. Provide plenty of clean and heated water and serving smaller meals more frequently than usual.
Make sure you clean their tank regularly, as a buildup of waste can cause toxins to accumulate in their enclosure. Also check for signs of dehydration or other ailments like mites and respiratory diseases.
Finally, adjust the lighting and heating in the enclosure, making sure it is within the optimal temperature range.