Bearded dragons are popular pets, and for a good reason! They’re incredibly docile, social, and easy to take care of. Bearded dragons, like other lizards, shed their skin regularly. But how often do bearded dragons shed, and what can you do to help? In this post, we will answer those questions and more!
Depending on their life stage, bearded dragons shed at varying rates. For instance, a baby beardie might shed every 20 to 30 days, a juvenile every 4 to 6 weeks, and an adult every few months.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Shed?
The shedding process is called ecdysis. Bearded dragons have rough keratinized scales for skin. Due to the inelastic nature of the protein, a bearded dragon’s skin does not stretch with age. In other words, a dragon’s skin remains the same size regardless of how big the dragon gets.
Shedding is a normal process for most reptiles. Humans lose cells continuously, whereas reptiles do so all at once. Therefore, shedding is a sign of healthy growth for your bearded dragon.
Additionally, Bearded Dragons can remove their skin if it sustains an injury or stops serving as protection. If their existing skin has sustained several scrapes, scuffs, and damages and is no longer adequately protecting them, they can shed the current skin to form a new one.
How Do I Know My Bearded Dragon Is Shedding?
There are certain indicators that a dragon is going to shed. Knowing your dragon well enough to identify the root of any unusual behavior is crucial because many of these symptoms are similar to those of stress or disease.
That stated, some of the most typical symptoms are fatigue, itching, irritability, and the fact that little portions of the skin are flaking off and the scales appear faded in color.
How You Can Help
Bearded dragons naturally shed their skin, so they usually don’t need help with it. However, you can do some things to make the process easier since shedding can be uncomfortable for your dragon.
Give Them Baths With Warm Water
When they shed, bearded dragons often prefer to be left alone. However, a warm bath could help loosen the skin, and gently brushing their scales in circular motions can help remove flaking skin. Bearded dragon skin is waterproof, therefore baths don’t help unless it’s peeling.
Place Rough Materials In Their Enclosure
Bearded dragons can shed their skin more quickly and effortlessly if they have something to rub against. Offer them a branch, smooth rocks, or other materials so they can scratch and help loosen their skin.
Provide a Calcium Supplement
When they shed, it’s essential to provide your bearded dragon with a calcium supplement since this is when they need it the most. A lack of calcium can lead to health problems like a metabolic bone disease.
Check UVB Lighting
You should also ensure their UVB lighting works properly, which helps with the shedding process. If your dragon isn’t getting enough UVB, it can lead to problems like softening of the bones and shell and decreased appetite.
Don’t Pull the Skin Off
Do not pull the skin off your dragon, as tempting as it may be. This could damage their new skin underneath and cause them a lot of pain. Remember that this process is uncomfortable for them as it is, so try to be as gentle as possible.
Shedding is a natural process for bearded dragons, but there are some things you can do to help make it more comfortable for them. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your dragon has an easy time shedding their skin!
Take Care of Your Beardie
Bearded dragons are generally pretty good about shedding on their own, but there are some things you can do to help make the process easier for them. Make sure your bearded dragon has a healthy diet and plenty of water, and keep an eye on them to ensure they’re not having any trouble shedding.
Jabberwock Reptiles is stocked with everything you’ll need to care for your bearded dragon. Check out our other posts for more information if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks for reading!
