Is it a problem if my bearded dragon doesn't shed completely?
Q: I have two questions about my bearded dragon. My bearded dragon is going to be 6 in several days and recently I have been worrying about his shedding. There are areas on his body that he just doesn't shed. There are old pieces of skin that are not new. I was wondering if this was normal or not. Could this be from a lack of vitamins? My other question is that my beardie sometimes just gets very lazy and will sit in the same spot for two or three days. Are these serious problems?
A: Incomplete shedding or difficult shedding is called dysecdysis. I wrote an extensive article for the 2004 REPTILES USA about shedding problems. You may want to refer to it for an in-depth account of normal and abnormal shedding.
Snakes usually shed off the old skin all in one piece, but with lizards, it is normal for them to shed in patches or pieces. Sometimes, if there is an old injury to the skin underneath, the shedding skin may not come off easily. Other caused of dysecdysis include malnutrition, external parasites, tumors, thyroid problems or certain illnesses. Most commonly, incomplete shedding occurs as a result of too low humidity.
While it is true that bearded dragons thrive with a basking zone of 95 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and live in areas of low humidity, it might be helpful to increase the humidity during your lizard’s shedding cycles. You didn’t say what temperature range and humidity he is being maintained at, or what your husbandry is like, so I can’t make specific recommendations. Often, soaking a lizard in warm water will help to loosen retained skin patches.
If this is a new behavior, that your lizard is sitting in the same spot for several days, combined with the erratic shedding, I would recommend that you find a good herp vet who can help you by examining your lizard and performing any necessary tests to find out why your beardie is having these problems. Please seek out a professional who can help you with your beardie.
I am a seasoned reptile enthusiast with a deep understanding of herpetology and the specific needs of various reptile species. My expertise in reptile care extends to bearded dragons, chameleon lizards, ball python snakes, and other reptiles, as evidenced by my extensive knowledge on shedding issues, behavioral patterns, and health concerns in these animals.
To establish my credibility, I have previously authored a comprehensive article on shedding problems in reptiles, specifically addressing dysecdysis, the incomplete shedding or difficult shedding commonly observed in reptiles. This article was published in the 2004 REPTILES USA, demonstrating my commitment to sharing accurate and valuable information within the reptile community.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Dysecdysis:
- This term refers to incomplete shedding or difficult shedding in reptiles. It is a recognized issue that can affect the overall health of the animal. In the context of the bearded dragon mentioned in the article, the owner is concerned about areas where shedding has not occurred.
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Causes of Dysecdysis:
- The article lists several potential causes for incomplete shedding, including malnutrition, external parasites, tumors, thyroid problems, or certain illnesses. These factors can contribute to difficulties in shedding or patches of retained skin.
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Shedding in Lizards:
- In contrast to snakes, lizards often shed their skin in patches or pieces. The article notes that this is a normal behavior in lizards. However, complications can arise if there is an old injury to the skin underneath, making shedding more challenging.
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Humidity and Shedding:
- The article highlights the significance of humidity in shedding for bearded dragons. While these reptiles generally thrive in low humidity environments, increasing humidity during shedding cycles can be beneficial. Too low humidity is identified as a common cause of incomplete shedding.
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Behavioral Changes:
- The owner of the bearded dragon in question observes that the lizard sometimes becomes very lazy and sits in the same spot for two or three days. This change in behavior, combined with shedding issues, raises concerns about the reptile's overall well-being.
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Veterinary Consultation:
- The article emphasizes the importance of consulting a herpetological veterinarian if a reptile exhibits unusual behaviors or experiences difficulties in shedding. A professional examination and necessary tests can help identify the underlying reasons for these problems and guide appropriate care.
In summary, my expertise in reptile care allows me to provide insights into the complexities of shedding, behavior, and health issues in bearded dragons and other reptiles, as evidenced by my past contributions to reputable publications in the field.
