Shedding in bearded dragons is a natural and healthy process every beginner pet owner should understand. This ensures you don’t panic when you first see your bearded dragon losing its skin.
Shedding involves removing old, no longer helpful skin to make way for new growth. While all animals shed to some extent, it’s more visibly noticeable in organisms like snakes, lizards, and crabs.
This guide will help beginner bearded dragon keepers understand shedding, how natural and healthy the process is, how often it occurs, and more. Keep reading to clear all your doubts.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Shed?
The epidermis of bearded dragons contains keratin-based proteins. The inner layer has α-keratin, while the outer layer contains β-keratin, covered by a thin, tough, non-stretchable layer of keratinized cells.
As bearded dragons grow, their outer skin cannot expand due to its non-stretchable nature. This limitation requires them to shed their skin to accommodate growth and remain healthy.
In baby bearded dragons, the old skin typically peels off as a whole, while older dragons shed in patches. Once shedding is complete, the new skin underneath appears shiny and vibrant.
Bearded Dragon Shedding Process
Bearded dragons shed at different rates depending on their age. As babies, they shed frequently due to rapid growth and the need to replace their skin. As they mature and their growth slows, shedding becomes less frequent, with longer gaps as they age and eventually stop growing.
Let’s explore how often bearded dragons shed in more detail.
How Often Do Bearded Dragons Shed?
Baby bearded dragons shed frequently, while adults shed after longer intervals.
0-6 Months Old
At this age, baby bearded dragons grow quickly. They shed their skin weekly to support this rapid growth, often shedding their entire body.
6-12 Months Old
Their growth rate begins to slow at this young age compared to the first six months. Shedding occurs twice a month but not all at once. Their body may shed first, followed by their head later
12-18 Months Old
Bearded dragons become adults at this stage, with their bodies nearly fully grown. Shedding occurs about four times a year, typically in patches rather than all at once.
18 Months and Older
Bearded dragons reach adulthood at this age, and their body stops growing. Shedding occurs to replace damaged or aged skin, happening about twice a year. Patchy shedding and long gaps between shedding cycles are common.
Behaviour Change in Bearded Dragon While Shedding
During shedding, bearded dragons usually don’t exhibit significant behavioural changes. However, you may notice signs like reduced appetite, eye bulging, or resistance to handling.
Loss of Appetite
Bearded dragons often stop eating during their shedding period and may consume their shed skin instead. This behaviour is expected. If they lose their appetite but show no signs of illness, the shedding process is likely the cause. You can continue offering food during this time.
Eye Bulging
Bulging eyes is a standard behaviour change in beardies. Their eyes may look dull and have a whitish-blue tint. This bulging helps loosen the skin around their eyes and head.
They Resist Touching
Your beardie may resist being touched or held during their shedding period, as shedding is an itchy process. Holding them can cause discomfort, so avoid handling them while they shed is best.
5 Ways to Help a Shedding Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons tend to avoid being touched during their shedding period, and there isn’t much you can do to assist them. However, here are five ways you can try helping your beardie:
1: Provide Them With Rough Material
Providing rough materials for your beardie can help them during shedding. Set up their tank when you notice they are about to shed. Avoid sharp or pointed objects that could harm them. Use sturdy items like rocks, branches, or slates to assist with the shedding process.
2: Give Them Bath
Bathing your bearded dragon helps with shedding loose skin. Adult beardies shed more slowly, and a warm bath keeps their skin moist for easier removal. Gently hold them and dry them afterwards to prevent infection from prolonged moisture. You can bathe them every 2-3 days during shedding and continue to moisten their skin.
3: Provide Them With Food And Water
Bearded dragons may eat less while shedding, but they must continue offering a balanced diet. A lack of calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease, so ensure they get enough. Hydration is equally crucial for their overall health. Proper hydration supports healthy skin during the shedding process.
4: Avoid Handling
During shedding, your bearded dragon may prefer to be left alone. They don’t like being touched, so avoid holding or handling them. Doing so can irritate them, and they may bite in response.
5: Don’t Pull Their Skin
Do not pull your beardie’s skin. If it hasn’t fallen off on its own, it isn’t ready to come off yet. Pulling the skin can hurt them and prevent the skin underneath from adequately emerging. Let the process happen naturally.
2 Problem With Bearded Dragon Shedding
It’s normal for your beardie to shed on time without any issues. While shedding can cause minor discomfort, there are a few things to remember if you notice something unusual during the process.
1: Not Shedding
If your bearded dragon isn’t shedding, it’s a serious issue that environmental factors could cause. It’s essential to address this problem quickly. Visit the vet clinic to begin treatment.
2: If the Skin Is Stuck
Despite your beardie’s best efforts, dead skin may occasionally get stuck and not come off. This can restrict blood flow, but a long bath can help loosen the skin. Shedding isn’t painful or enjoyable, but they can manage it well with your care and attention.
Conclusion
Shedding is a natural and healthy process for bearded dragons; as a pet owner, it’s essential to understand it. Baby beardies shed the most, with shedding slowing down as they grow. Typically, they don’t need help, but you should monitor the process. If you notice anything unusual, consult a vet promptly to prevent complications. Keep your beardie hydrated and offer a nutritious diet. Avoid excessive handling, as it may cause discomfort.
Now that you understand bearded dragon shedding, remember that while your beardie doesn’t require your help, it’s your responsibility to ensure they have everything they need.
FAQs
How long does it take for a bearded dragon to shed?
Shedding old skin in baby bearded dragons takes just 1-3 days. In adults, it can take up to two or three weeks.
Why is my bearded dragon irritable when shedding?
Shedding can cause discomfort, as it often leads to itching and irritation. They may also injure themselves while trying to remove the loose skin.
Can you hold a bearded dragon while they are shedding?
Bearded dragons are not recommended to be held during their shedding process. They may become stressed and irritated, increasing the risk of biting.
Do bearded dragons eat less when shedding?
Bearded dragons tend to eat less during shedding because their appetite decreases. This is normal, so there’s no need to worry.
Do bearded dragons eat their shed?
Yes, they sometimes eat their shed to obtain minerals, but you shouldn’t stop providing their regular food.