Crested Gecko Shedding Tips and Tricks

Crested gecko as we know that it belongs to the family of the reptiles and this means it has quite similar characteristics to them. They are cute little lizards that can be easily kept as pets at home and even children can handle them without any hassle. As these reptiles are low maintenance so that is the reason they are kept as pets many people.

Like any other reptile these crested geckos will also shed their skin and this is a common phenomenon in any crested gecko, so we should be prepared for this and do not panic and understand our crested gecko and also be more sensitive with them.

The crested gecko needs our attention and care more than usual and for this you should know everything regarding the shedding of the crested gecko.

In this article we will discuss about everything regarding the shedding skin of the crested gecko and how it is caused and how we can help them during this process, as shedding is a natural and an important process so we need to be very careful and understanding towards our crested gecko.

Why does crested gecko shed their skin?

The crested gecko shed their skin because that is one of the major characteristic of any reptile. The old and dead skin of the crested gecko starts to shed and this skin is replaced by the new one. The keratin i.e. a protein which helps in protecting the skin and also prevents water loss from the skin, if it is not present in the skin then the skin starts shedding off.

There can be a case where the skin shedding will take place in pieces or there will be cases where skin will come out as a whole. In shedding both the cases are possible. This entire process of shedding in the crested gecko is known as ecdysis and this further leads to the growth of the crested gecko.

The shedding process can either take place in one go or it might occur in several stages, it is just that you have to be a keen observant throughout the whole process and understand the phenomena of shedding in the crested gecko.

Signs of Shedding in crested gecko

As an owner you should be aware about when your crested gecko is about to shed its skin and this is only possible, when you will understand your crested gecko and observe it carefully. As you can tell by seeing the crested gecko about the shedding process.

You can notice that the skin has started coming out, also the skin starts appearing pale or have dull colour. Even the crested gecko starts losing its appetite and also have problems in sticking to the walls of the terrarium or some other sticking related problems.

By observing such signs in your crested gecko you should understand that they are about to shed their skin and understand them and you need to take care of them at this time.

Problems related to shedding for crested gecko

There are some problems that may or may not be caused for the crested gecko and we should understand them for their betterment. Those problems are caused due to the following reasons:-

• Your crested gecko might not be living in proper conditions or you can say that they are not having appropriate lifestyle which can lead to shedding related problems. If the humidity is too low that also creates problem for the crested gecko and is considered as the most common problem for the crested gecko.
• When the crested gecko is not well and it does not have power to shed its skin then also this problem arises. The reason behind this is the diseases and the parasites that attacks the crested gecko and then they will cause the problem with shedding of skin. In some case the crested gecko can even shed more skin than usual which is not a good sign and the problem persists.

These are the some problems or causes of the problems which leads shedding problems in the crested gecko. You need to be observant enough to check or to notice such things in order to understand whether your crested gecko is going through these problems or not so that you can take some precautions if they are.

How to help a shedding crested gecko?

When your crested gecko is shedding it is your duty to look after them and make them feel comfortable and help them through the process of shedding.

You can follow the steps that are given below in order to comfort your crested gecko.

Humidity

You can increase the humidity of the terrarium in which you are keeping your crested gecko. The appropriate humidity at the time of shedding for the crested gecko is at least 50% and it would be better if it can go up to 70 to 80% as such high humidity will help in loosening the skin of your crested gecko.

Do remember when you are increasing the humidity so much there should be proper ventilation also inside the terrarium, so that the crested gecko do not suffocate itself. For increasing the humidity inside the tank of the crested gecko you can do water misting inside the tank and this will help in increasing the humidity to the levels that is needed.

Shedding box for the crested gecko

You can also get a shedding box for the crested gecko if you want to and with this you can create a special place inside the terrarium for the crested gecko where they can shed their skin.

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The shedding box has high level of humidity and you can place anywhere inside the tank, if it has enough space to fit it. This shedding box can also be used as the hiding place for the crested gecko.

Avoid handling the crested gecko

It is advised that when the crested gecko is shedding its skin, you should avoid handling the crested gecko as they are already very stressed so do not stress them more.

They need rest and also they do not want any sort of disturbance, so let them be in peace. Only handle them in case of emergency or they need some sort of help, otherwise let them be on their own.

Remember to remove the food

As we know that crested gecko lose their appetite when they shed their skin, so always remember to remove the food that they leave after eating, because there are chances that bacteria will start developing on it. We cannot take any risk at this time and the best thing is to remove the leftover food and always serve them with fresh food.

We generally increase the humidity inside the terrarium during the shedding process for the crested gecko, so it is recommended to use moist-absorbing substrate in order to absorb the excess of moisture and keep the humidity to a level that is appropriate for the crested gecko and the gecko does not feel quite uncomfortable at very high humidity level or you can say the increased humidity levels.

Do not stress them

Be patient with your crested gecko, they are already too stressed, you do not stress them more and do not panic, just be calm. You have to be mature enough to handle the situation and be well prepared from before. You can help the crested gecko and calm it down through the process.

Just let them know or feel that you are with them and will help them whenever they will need you. At this time the crested geckos are very annoyed and also very irritated from everything around them. You need to give them time and space to get back to normal.

You can use the mineral oil and apply the mineral oil with a cotton swab on to the skin of the crested gecko so that is can help in loosening the skin and shedding process becomes quite easy for the crested gecko. You have to gently massage with the cotton swab on to the skin of the crested gecko. It will not only loosens the skin but will also help in relaxing the crested gecko.

Consult a vet when required

When you observe that your crested gecko is not well or is having problem while shedding its skin and you cannot help it in any way, the best thing you can do at that time is consult a vet for the crested gecko. As a vet will understand the problem quite well and will know what exactly is the problem with the crested gecko and what can be done to prevent the problem or to cure it.

In some cases you even need to diagnose the crested gecko, so visiting a vet is a must and you should follow all the instructions that would be given to you by the vet in order to keep your crested gecko healthy and safe during the shedding process.

These are the various steps in which you can help the crested gecko to deal with the shedding process and also help in preventing the problems that can occur while shedding the skin. You have to be sensitive towards the needs of the crested gecko and understand them, without getting annoyed with them.

When do crested gecko shed their skin?

The shedding of skin is generally related with the growth of the crested gecko, so it occurs quite frequently with the crested geckos that are young and the hatchlings will shed skin even more frequently as compared to the juveniles and the juveniles will have more tendency to shed their skin as compared to the adult crested gecko. In this manner the frequency of shedding differs at every stage of the life of a crested gecko. The frequency of shedding depends upon the age or at what life stage the crested gecko is and it is given as follows:-

1. A hatchling crested gecko shed its skin weekly.
2. A juvenile crested gecko shed its skin after every 2 weeks.
3. An adult crested gecko shed its skin after every 2 weeks going up to shedding the skin monthly.

These frequency of shedding do vary in every crested gecko it can take even more time in some cases and in some cases it can take less time, as it also depends up on the growth rate of your crested gecko because shedding of skin is mainly related to the growth of the crested gecko.

In some cases the crested gecko eats the shedding skin and we might not even be able to see the shedding, so you have to understand your crested gecko quite well so that you can handle them through this process of shedding and do not panic.

How do crested geckos shed?

When the crested gecko is about to shed it will show various signs of shedding like the skin becoming dull or pale. This is the signal that the older layer of skin will come off and the crested gecko will try to peel its old skin that will shed with the mouth and the tongue.

This will help the crested gecko in removing or peeling off that dull and old skin from their body. In some cases they will even eat up their shedding skin and we will not even come to know about that. The reason why some eat up their skin is to get the nutrients from the skin that will shed or has shed and also another reason is to prevent leaving a trail for the predators.

After the shedding of skin is complete the crested gecko will come back to its original colour or patterns and sometimes it can have even brighter colours and more patterns after shedding its old skin.

You can see most of the changes in colours and patterns in the case of the younger crested geckos when they are in the hatchling and the juvenile stage. The shedding process can be stressful for your crested gecko. You have to be a responsible owner and help your crested gecko in this process and making it easy and stress free.

What to do after crested gecko has completed?

When the crested gecko has completed it shedding process you need to keep your pet alone as at this time they can be too dangerous and also stressful. Do not stress them or disturb them with your presence let them be alone for some time.

It is advised not to bath the crested gecko after the shedding of skin as the crested gecko is not too fond of bathing. You can just remove all unwanted stuff from the tank of the crested gecko and clean the area where the shedding took place and let the crested gecko rest for some time.

Do not force them to eat or do any sort of activity, let them dwell in peace. As shedding can be a very tiring and too stressing process. You need to understand your crested gecko and give them some privacy or the alone time. The crested gecko can even be annoyed for some time after shedding their skin, as they will be figuring out what has just happened.

Understanding the shedding in crested gecko

Sometimes having a pet can be quite tiring, you need to be patient enough to take care of them and understand them. The shedding process is a natural and a common phenomenon for the crested gecko but it is not too easy as it seems to be.

So many changes occur in the body of the crested gecko and they are also going through many problems and even pain in some cases. So in such cases you have to understand your crested gecko so that at least they will be comfortable and will even feel there is someone who will be with them always.

The bonding between the owner and the crested gecko should be so much that they can easily understand each other and know each other’s feelings without even saying anything to one another. The understanding will be there only if there is a bond between the two.

Summary

The shedding of skin is an important phenomena in the life of a crested gecko and the owner of the crested gecko should know each and everything related to the process of shedding. Then only you can help your crested gecko and will fulfil its needs during the process of shedding.

The shedding of skin can be very tough for some crested gecko and for some of them it will be an easy cake walk. The reason behind this is the lifestyle they are having or if they are not getting the proper care.

After the shedding of skin is completed you will find that the crested gecko has come in beautiful colours and patterns that makes your crested gecko even more appealing to the eyes and even cute.

You will enjoy watching your crested gecko grow every time it will shed its skin. The understanding and trust should be built between you and your crested gecko so that both of you can live a hassle free life and enjoy each other’s company.

Want to learn more?

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