Shedding
You Need to Lose a Few Scales
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As a normal part of a healthy Bearded Dragon’s life they will shed. Shedding is a sign that they are healthy it means they are eating well and growing. You will notice them starting to turn duller in color and this is a sign that shedding is going to happen. There is no set time frame for shedding and when in shed your dragon may eat less or not at all. This is normal for around 3-10 days as they are very irritated and itchy, they may sleep a lot more as well. You may see them rub their body and face on their enclosure decorations to remove excess skin. As a dragon grows they will not shed their entire body all at once like they did as hatchlings, they shed in sections. Dragons shed the areas that get bigger, so don't be worried if just one part of their body sheds randomly.
This young dragon is in shed on her body but not her face and head.
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This dragon is only shedding on his face and head, not his body.
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Don't Pull!
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There are lots of products that aid in reptile shedding, however we simply recommend a warm bath and gently scrubbing with a soft bristle toothbrush and lightly misting with water. Make sure to take tender care when helping to removing excess skin and NEVER tug at or pull on shedding skin that gives any resistance. Misting a dragon with water should be enough to weigh the dead skin and it should fall off. If you pull on a piece of shedding skin that is not ready to come off it can bruise your dragon or even make them bleed. Pay attention to the shedding areas and ensure the dead skin does come off. If they seem to be taking more than a week to shed put them in that nice warm bath daily.
It's Not Snack Time
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I have been asked frequently by dragon owners if they should allow their dragons to eat shed skin. I don't believe it will harm if they happen to eat some as many species of lizards in the wild eat their skin. But I would advise to just remove it and throw it away, you don't know if they ran through some poo before shedding and that could make them sick if they eat it. So if they happen to eat it no big deal, but don't leave it in there as a snack on purpose.
The Best Gift
Pre-shed Post-shed
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Post-shed Pre-shed
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Bearded Dragon colors change as they grow, some become brighter, other darker after each shed. When your dragon comes out of their old skin the results are often amazing, it is like opening a beautiful gift that keeps on giving their entire lives. It is truly stunning how much they change with each shed.
