Bearded dragons are popular pets, and it’s easy to see why. They have distinct personalities and don’t require a ton of space. As reptiles, beardies have specific needs, and understanding them is key to keeping your scaley friend healthy and happy.
One of those needs is shedding. Shedding is a normal and necessary process for all reptiles, including bearded dragons. So, how often does a bearded dragon shed? This article will tell you everything you need to know about shedding frequency and how to care for your beardie during this time.
Why do bearded dragons shed?
Shedding is the process of reptiles casting off their old, outer layer of skin. You may also hear it called “ecdysis” or “moulting.”
Bearded dragons shed because their skin isn’t elastic like human skin. It can’t stretch or grow. So, as they grow larger, they have to replace their old skin with a new, bigger version. Think of it like getting a new, larger coat as you grow!
Shedding may also occur if the skin gets damaged.
How often do bearded dragons shed?
A bearded dragon’s shedding schedule depends mostly on how old they are, but other factors can also play a role.
Shedding frequency by age
Baby beardies shed the most often because they’re growing so fast. If you have a baby dragon between 0 and 6 months old, expect them to shed about once a week, or possibly every 20 to 30 days.
Juvenile bearded dragons (between 6 and 12 months) don’t grow as fast, so they don’t shed as often. You might see them shed every other week or every 4 to 6 weeks.
Adult bearded dragons (12 months and older) have slowed their growth considerably and, as a result, shed the least often. You might see them shed every other month, or only once or twice a year.
Factors affecting shedding frequency
A healthy, balanced diet that meets all your beardie’s nutritional needs will support healthy shedding. So will appropriate temperature, humidity, and UVB lighting.
Keep in mind that, just like humans, bearded dragons are individuals. There’s no set shedding pattern for adult beardies. Some will shed more often, while others will shed less frequently.
How long does it take a bearded dragon to shed?
The shedding process varies. A full-body shed can take two or three weeks from start to finish, but you might only see patches of shed at any one time.
Sometimes, the shedding happens in small sections, which might take about a week.
How long shedding lasts depends on the lizard’s age, health, and living conditions.
How can you tell when your bearded dragon is about to shed?
Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Faded or milky-white scales: Their skin might look dull or opaque.
- Behavior changes: You may notice that your beardie is tired, cranky, or not eating as much as usual.
- Scratching: They might rub themselves against things in their tank to loosen their skin.
- Black beard: Sometimes, a black beard can mean they’re getting ready to shed.
- Not wanting to be touched: They may not want to be handled as much when they’re shedding.
How to help your bearded dragon shed
When you see that your bearded dragon is about to shed, there are a few things you can do to help the process along:
- Give your dragon a warm bath. Warm water can help loosen the old skin. The water should only be a few inches deep and should be lukewarm, not hot. While your dragon is soaking, you can gently brush their scales in a circular motion using a soft toothbrush.
- Provide rough surfaces. Make sure your dragon’s enclosure has plenty of rocks, logs, and other rough surfaces they can rub against to help remove old skin.
- Maintain proper humidity. Although bearded dragons are desert animals, slightly increasing the humidity in their enclosure during shedding may help.
One thing you should never do is pull off shedding skin, as this can damage the new skin underneath and potentially injure your pet.
Problems with Bearded Dragon Shedding (Dysecdysis)
Sometimes, bearded dragons have trouble shedding. This condition is called dysecdysis. It can happen if your dragon is dehydrated, if their habitat isn’t ideal, or if they have health problems.
If your dragon has dysecdysis, you might see patches of old skin that they can’t seem to get rid of. This is especially common on their toes and tail. If the unshed skin stays there too long, it can cut off blood flow, leading to necrosis or infection.
If you think your dragon has dysecdysis, talk to your vet.
In Conclusion
Shedding is a normal part of a bearded dragon’s life that calls for a little understanding and care. By providing the right diet and environment and giving gentle help when needed, you can make sure your beardie sheds in a healthy way.