Shedding is a normal and essential part of a bearded dragon’s life, especially as they grow. However, the process can sometimes make your dragon feel uncomfortable or stressed.
To help your bearded dragon shed, offer warm baths to soften the skin, lightly mist their body, and provide rough surfaces for them to rub against naturally. Avoid pulling the shedding skin.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps to help your bearded dragon shed naturally and avoid common issues like stuck sheds.
Understand Why Bearded Dragons Shed
Bearded dragons shed to accommodate their growth and renew their skin. Young dragons shed more frequently—babies shed every week or so, while adults shed a few times a year.
It’s crucial to understand that shedding is normal, and each phase of their life cycle impacts how often they will shed.
Provide Proper Hydration
During shedding, bearded dragons can become dehydrated. Keeping them hydrated helps their skin remain flexible, allowing it to shed more quickly.
Mist your dragon lightly a few times a day, or offer baths in shallow warm water for around 15-20 minutes to soften the skin. Ensure your dragon stays hydrated with plenty of fresh water available in their enclosure.
Maintain Humidity Levels
Although bearded dragons come from arid environments, slightly increasing the humidity in their tank during shedding can help ease the process.
This doesn’t mean you should drastically change the humidity, but misting the enclosure lightly can provide the extra moisture they need. However, be cautious not to make the environment too humid, as this could cause respiratory issues.
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Encourage Shedding with Baths
Baths are an excellent way to help a bearded dragon shed. Warm water helps loosen up the shedding skin, especially in areas where it seems stuck.
Limit bath time to about 20-30 minutes, and avoid scrubbing or pulling off the skin manually. Let the water do the work naturally to avoid damaging their sensitive new skin.
Don’t Pull Off Their Skin
No matter how tempting it may be, never pull or peel the shedding skin. This can cause pain, injuries, and even infections.
The shedding process should be entirely natural. The skin will flake off when it’s ready, and forced removal can lead to sores or stuck skin that could become dangerous for your pet.
Use Safe Décor for Rubbing
Bearded dragons often rub against rough surfaces to help loosen their shedding skin. Ensure their enclosure has safe items like rocks, branches, or textured logs that they can rub against without injuring themselves.
Avoid sharp objects that could cut them and instead provide smooth stones or natural branches to assist in this process.
Feed a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet supports proper shedding. Offer a variety of calcium-rich foods and ensure they are getting enough UVB exposure to metabolize the nutrients they consume.
This promotes firm skin and bones, reducing the likelihood of problematic sheds. Supplements can also be given during shedding periods to help maintain their strength and hydration levels.
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Try Shedding Aids Cautiously
There are commercial shedding aids, like sprays and oils, that can be applied during the shedding process. Some of these products contain aloe vera and other moisturizing agents that help loosen old skin.
However, these products are optional and should only be used if your dragon is struggling with shed retention or dry skin. Always use them with caution and avoid over-reliance on external products.
Recognize Signs of Shedding Issues
Sometimes, bearded dragons may have difficulty shedding, particularly in areas like their toes, tail, or around their eyes.
This is known as a stuck shed and can cause circulation problems or even lead to limb loss if ignored. If your dragon is consistently struggling to shed fully, consider seeking veterinary advice.
The stock shed can often be treated with frequent baths and by gently rubbing the area with a soft cloth, but persistent issues should be addressed professionally.
Watch for Behavioral Changes
Your bearded dragon may behave differently during shedding. They may become less active, eat less, or resist handling because the shedding skin feels uncomfortable.
Allow your dragon some space during this time. Don’t force them to interact if they show signs of stress, and be patient, as their energy will typically return once the shedding process is complete.
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How Can I Help My Bearded Dragon Shedding Naturally
To help your bearded dragon shed naturally, give it a warm bath to soften the skin and ensure proper hydration. Also, add rough surfaces like rocks or logs to the enclosure so they can rub off old skin comfortably.
How Can I Help My Bearded Dragon Shedding Home
At home, you can assist by misting your bearded dragon lightly and keeping the humidity slightly higher during shedding. Gentle baths and safe decorations in their tank can also help them rub off shedding skin without pulling it.
How Often Do Bearded Dragons Shed
Bearded dragons shed more frequently when young—babies shed almost every week, while adults only shed a few times a year. Shedding slows as they age because their growth rate decreases.
Baby Bearded Dragon Shedding Behavior
Baby bearded dragons shed more often because they increase. During shedding, they might rub against objects, seem more restless, or even refuse food temporarily. This is normal behavior as they adjust to the uncomfortable process.
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Shed
The shedding process for bearded dragons usually takes about one to three weeks, depending on their age and health. Baby dragons shed faster, while adults may take longer as their shedding is less frequent and slower.
Bearded Dragon Shedding Signs
You’ll know your bearded dragon is shedding when their skin turns dull, gray, or whitish. They may become more restless, rub against objects, or eat less. Their behavior might change as the shedding process begins.
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Why Do Bearded Dragons Shed
Bearded dragons shed to grow and replace old skin. It helps keep their skin healthy and accommodates their size as they mature. Shedding also helps remove parasites or dead skin cells, ensuring their scales stay clean and fresh.
How To Identify Stuck Shed On Bearded Dragon
Stuck shed appears as dry, flaky patches that don’t fully come off. It’s often found on the tail, toes, or around the eyes. If ignored, a stuck shed can lead to circulation problems, so it’s essential to monitor it closely.
FAQs
1. How to help a bearded dragon when shedding?
Help your bearded dragon by offering warm baths, misting, and ensuring their enclosure has rough surfaces for them to rub off loose skin.
2. How long does shedding last in a bearded dragon?
Shedding usually lasts one to three weeks, depending on the dragon’s age. Younger dragons shed faster, while older ones take longer.
3. How do I help my lizard shed?
Provide warm baths, mist your lizard lightly, and keep their environment moist. Offer safe surfaces for them to rub against without pulling the skin.
4. Should you soak a shedding bearded dragon?
Yes, you should soak your bearded dragon in a warm bath for 15-20 minutes. This helps soften the skin and makes shedding easier.
5. Should I mist my bearded dragon while he’s shedding?
Yes, misting your bearded dragon helps keep their skin hydrated, making the shedding process smoother and more comfortable for them.
6. Do Beardies get stressed when shedding?
Yes, bearded dragons can feel stressed when shedding. They may become more restless or refuse food, but this is normal during shedding.
7. Is shedding uncomfortable for a bearded dragon?
Yes, shedding can be uncomfortable. Your bearded dragon may rub against objects or appear irritated, but gentle care helps make it easier for them.
8. How to get stuck shed off bearded dragon?
Give warm baths to soften the skin, and gently rub the area with a soft cloth. Avoid pulling the stuck shed directly.
9. Do Beardies stop eating when shedding?
Yes, some bearded dragons may stop eating while shedding. This is normal as they may feel uncomfortable, but their appetite usually returns afterward.
10. Do beardies hide when shedding?
Yes, some bearded dragons might hide when shedding. They often feel uncomfortable or stressed and prefer to stay hidden during this time.
11. Beardie shedding do’s and don’ts
Do give warm baths and mist them. Please don’t pull the skin off or force them to shed. Always ensure they’re well-hydrated during the process.
12. My bro is shedding. Do I need to help him pull the shed out?
No, don’t pull the shed off. Help by offering warm baths and misting. The shed will come off naturally when ready.
Conclusion
Shedding is a natural but sometimes uncomfortable process for bearded dragons. By ensuring they have proper hydration, warm baths, and safe surfaces to rub against, you can help them shed comfortably. Remember, never pull off the shedding skin.
