Bearded dragons are beautiful creatures, but their skin is not always as seamless as it appears. Sometimes, the scales on a bearded dragon’s back can become matted and clumped together, causing unsightly flakes of skin to fall off—and that’s when you know it’s time for a bearded dragon skin peel.
Various methods of administering a bearded dragon skin peel exist, but the most effective way to ensure optimal results (and minimum stress for your bearded dragon) is by using exfoliating gloves. The process is very simple: Lather the beardie up in its favorite pheromone-laced shampoo and allow it to soak for 15 minutes in the tub. Then rinse off the shampoo and apply exfoliating gloves to both hands. Start at your bearded dragon’s head, gently rubbing its face until it begins to produce a sound similar to a high-pitched screech. Then rub along your beardie’s back, stopping when you notice any excess scales starting to flake off. Finally, move on to the legs and tail, which may require extra attention if your bearded dragon has been living in captivity for an extended period of time (due to a lack of proper care or sunlight). In this guide, we review the aspects of Bearded Dragon Skin Peel, when do bearded dragons shed for the first time, Why is my bearded dragon’s skin peeling, and bearded dragon shedding problems.
Bearded Dragon Skin Peel
Bearded Dragons skin peel due to growth:From 0 – 6 months old shedding is an almost weekly occurrence. This is simply down to the growth of your Bearded Dragon. So take that as a good sign.Our Bearded Dragons skin is made from a keratin based protein. It’s also not porous or elasticated like ours. So with growth, comes shedding.Imagine trying to fit into a tight shirt or blouse. You will just end up ripping it, or popping the buttons when you sit down, or move. That’s much the same for beardies.The shedding progress varies depending on age. During those vital growing months (0-6 months) the shed will more often than not be an all over shed. Often only taking a day or so to complete.From 6-12 months when most of the ‘rapid’ growth is done the shedding will be less frequent. Probably every couple of weeks at 6 months, moving to around once every couple of months at 12 months.After 12 months your Bearded Dragon will shed even less frequently.At around 18 months when growth in terms of bone and muscle is done, a Beardie will only shed a couple of times a year. Think of this as more of a change of clothes than anything else.
Bearded Dragons can shed due to damaged skin:Beardie’s skin surface can get damaged, dirty, scraped and battered, due to their environment. So a shed of old skin is needed for a fresh protective layer.
Pete has also written about Bearded Dragons and Brumation that you may like to read
We can insure Bearded Dragons for £1,000 of vet fees. Find out more about Bearded Dragon insurance or
Signs of a Bearded Dragon shedding?
The skin will become very tight when a shed is due. You will also always see a change of skin colour. It will always be dull, and eventually turn white pre-shed. This is totally normal, so don’t worry.
You should ensure you provide logs and substrate for your Bearded Dragon when he’s shedding
What to do for a shedding Bearded Dragon?
Honestly, the best thing to do for a shedding Bearded Dragon, is to leave them alone to get on with it naturally.
They have evolved over millions of years to not need assistance in the way of baths, oils, or other nonsense I’ve witnessed.
Having the correct setup, and a variety of surfaces within the setup will aid things no end. You should try and provide:
- Rocks
- Branches
- Slate and
- Substrate
These will all will be used to loosen and dislodge a shedding body area.
- And of course quality UVB is essential.
- As is the correct heat and light gradient.
- Supplements; diet and hydration also all play a huge part to this natural process.
You can buy substrate, vivarium decorations, heating and lighting equipment from the Northampton Reptile Centre.
A bath will help to an extent. But only for skin that has already cracked and is flaking off.
As our beardie’s skin is 100% water proof the skin needs to be broken in order for any water at all to affect the shedding areas.
If the skin is unbroken, or not even shedding yet, then all you will have with a dragon in the bath, is a wet dragon I’m afraid.
- Upping the vivarium/tank humidity is another common practice. Again, this helps to an extent as it’s also a hydration option – a hydrated Bearded Dragon will shed far more efficiently.This is also a very natural solution for them. As naturally and instinctively as in wild conditions, they will dig burrows. These burrows often being 8 to 12 inches below the surface.Inside these burrows, the humidity can reach 80% without any struggle. This moisture within the burrow will help soften any shedding skin.
- A little extra humidity in the evening and morning will help too.Personally. I spray my enclosures for a few seconds in the morning and evening regardless of whether my Beardies are shedding or not. I have always done this.This for me simulates a very natural morning and evening dew (mist/fog) to which our Bearded Dragons will actually utilise as a hydration method if needed by licking the décor. Or having the water drip down their heads, and directed into the mouth via their scales and ridges in what is known as a capillary action.This has certainly served me well over the years.This will also naturally bump up that humidity (simulating their burrow as already mentioned). Which we know can help the shedding process.
I have seen many use Aloe oils and the ‘Shed Aid’ product, but for me, I’ve seen it give little to no help at all. As again, when a skin is 100% waterproof, what is the point of adding these potions and lotions?
Any benefit will be on already cracked and shedding skin, as any moisture can get between the fresh and shedding skin layers and help that way.
One thing you must never do though, is pull skin off, or peel skin.
I’ve witnessed many reptiles, not just Bearded Dragons, get damaged skin/scales due to keepers “aiding” the shed process. This does cause them pain and can lead to infections, so don’t do it.
My Bearded Dragon is not shedding properly
”The main issues with shedding would be stuck or retained shed and the under supply of vital nutrition.”
Of course, issues can arise when shedding. Although honestly, if all is provided within your husbandry as already mentioned (various surfaces; lighting; hydration; diet etc) then issues shouldn’t happen.
Again this is something they have been doing for millions of years on their own without issue. But it still can happen.
I’ve seen a few things over my years keeping. And to be perfectly honest, these issues have been with beardies that have come to me via rescue. Or, illness, etc. So again, directly linked to care problems.
But the main issues with shedding would be stuck or retained shed and the under supply of vital nutrition.
Stuck shed on Bearded Dragons and substrate
With the stuck shed, this tends to affect a few areas mainly: the top of the head; feet; tail; eyes and the underside, or belly of your Beardie.
With this, I can also narrow down a few causes for such based on my experiences dealing with this.
And again it’s lack of substrate and surfaces to aid the shed removal process naturally.
Often these beardies will be those housed on paper, tiles, carpet, and if that’s how you want to keep your beardie, it’s entirely your choice. But there are many downsides to keeping this way. This potential issue being just one.
Often any retained shed will get removed on the next shed. Causing little to no issues to the Bearded Dragon.
But it’s well worth increasing hydration levels via fully hydrated live food. Extra hydration within the greens by adding some cucumber. A little lettuce even (it DOES have its uses).
Stuck shed and lack of vital nutrients
The under supply of nutrition is another primary cause of any shedding issues.
Reptiles (not just Bearded Dragons) that are poor shedders, are often B vitamin deficient.
As well this, the body’s Vitamin E, D3, Calcium, & Magnesium supplies are all essential in aiding the body shed process.
So I’d honestly recommend the use of both Arcadia EarthPro-A as your Calcium based multivitamin. This is loaded with 9 ‘B’ group vitamins, and bee-pollen. Which has a host of nutrients in itself. I personally use this daily (or every feed). And have done since its release a couple of years ago.
The only other addition to my supplements is the newer Arcadia EarthPro Mg (Magnesium). This I use once a week with Bearded Dragons under 12 months. Once every 2 weeks with adults.
As mentioned above. Both the B vitamins and magnesium are vital components to a healthy shed. This certainly keeps any under supply issue at bay.
Another thing I’d like to mention and it’s fairly new on the market is Arcadia Shed Support. This product has a double dose of essential B vitamins, carotenoids, bee-pollen and also plant extracts which will allow the body to assimilate natural vitamin E.
These essential vitamins and minerals will aid the body from the inside. To help the shed process naturally.
Start using it when you first notice the dulling of colour which we all know as a pending shed. (Dosage and more information is on the packaging).
The worst I’ve seen regarding shed issues, have been around the feet, tail, and eyes. I’ve witnessed it cutting off blood supply. Causing swelling in the area (feet in most cases).
Again, if this is already an issue do not wait for the next shed. Go to your exotics vet. They can aid you further.
So when a shed is complete, or an area of shed has come off, I suggest you have a closer look. Make sure the area is clean, fresh and has no shed stuck on.
Pay close attention to the areas of the eyes, feet and the problematic areas mentions above.
How long does it take for a Bearded Dragon to shed?
From start to finish the process will be around a week. But if it’s a little longer, if it’s causing no issues, it’s not a problem at all.
The frequency of shedding is dependent on the age of the Bearded Dragon.
As covered in the first section, the younger they are, the more frequent the shedding.
Shedding between 0-6 months old: You can see these shedding almost weekly. This again, is due to the rapid growth.
So you’ll expect this shed to only last a few days from start to finish.
6-12 months: Most of the ‘rapid’ growth is done. But still lots to be had. So shedding here will be maybe a couple or three times a month, at most.
You may find now, the shedding is more random, meaning instead of the whole body sheds of the young, it’s more shed of the body. Then a week later the head, etc. This is quite normal, so don’t worry.
12 months onwards: TheBeardie is nearly fully grown at this stage. He’ll be shedding less frequently.
After around 18 months: The Bearded Dragon should be fully grown. So shedding will be only a couple of times a year. And again, it will be very sporadic, a week to shed the head. Then maybe a couple of weeks later, the back will start.
My Bearded Dragon is shedding and not eating
This is very common amongst Bearded Dragon keepers. In fact, many reptile species partake in the shedding/pre-shedding blues.
This can involve them going off their food, hiding away and being less active. This will usually be for only a few days. Or, a few feeding days.
Again, don’t worry here. If you can see shedding is happening, or imminent, then that will generally be the cause.
Of course have a good inspection of your beardie. Check for any issues as mentioned above and if no shedding is happening, then I’d suggest a vet visit.
It’s well worth keeping an eye on your Bearded Dragon’s weight if they refuse food, regardless.
With a ‘healthy’ adult that has a stock-load of nutritional reserves throughout the body it’s not so much of an issue. And you will rarely see any loss of weight. Even after a number of weeks of not eating.
If weight loss is happening, then again, consult your vet as there may be other issues involved (parasites, etc).
But for a baby or younger beardie going off food can be more problematic. I have found though, due to their nature and mentality of ‘eat to get bigger’ in that first year of its life the shedding rarely affects them anyway. But if it does, it’s only for a day or so.
But again, any longer than this can mean other problems. So, consult your exotics vet for a check-up and further advice.
Why is my Bearded Dragon not shedding?
For an adult Bearded Dragon, I really wouldn’t worry. If you have quality UVB lighting, the correct heat gradient, hydration, and diet, they will shed when they need to.
Again, think of this as a change of clothes for an adult beardie. It will happen eventually if all is catered for as needed.
For a Bearded Dragon aged 0 to 12 months, if the beardie is not shedding at this age I’d seriously look at your husbandry as well as consult your vet.
As already mentioned, without the essential use of proper heat and light, hydration, supplements and diet your beardie won’t be able to make use of what it has evolved over millions of years to require to get through such a process.
If you feel all is correct here then I’d suggest a vet visit. As there could well be underlying issues such as issues with parasites or co-habitation etc.
My Bearded Dragon ate his own shed skin
This is not an issue at all, providing your setup is clean, and the eaten skin was not in any faecal waste.
It’s also common practice for many lizard species to do this, more so with Gecko’s.
The skin is a source of calcium and other nutrients. So again, see this as a natural survival instinct.
It is also thought directly linked to removing any trace of them being in a particular territory. Although I’m not sure on how valid this claim is, having not seen any comprehensive evidence to support this in any research I have done.
when do bearded dragons shed for the first time
Bearded dragons are a popular pet for children and adults alike. They are known as beardies or bearded lizards, but they are much more than that. Bearded Dragons are omnivores that eat a variety of insects like crickets and mealworms, but some people feed them vegetables and fruits as well.
The first time bearded dragon will shed, they will lose their skin, along with the color of their scales.
The first time a bearded dragon sheds, they will lose their skin, along with the color of their scales. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern. It’s important to remember that if you see small pieces of pink or white skin on top of your pet’s head or around its mouth, this means that he has recently shed his skin (and it will come off in little pieces).
Bearded dragons are also known as a beardie, beardy or bearded lizard.
Bearded dragons are also known as a beardie, beardy or bearded lizard. They’re from Australia and are omnivores that eat both plants and insects. While they are popular pets for children and adults alike, beards don’t have any poison glands so you don’t have to worry about your little one getting sick from touching it!
Bearded dragons come in lots of colors including red, orange and yellow; greenish blue with white spots on their bellies; black with white stripes down their backs; brownish grey with orange spots on their bellies etc.
Bearded dragons are a popular pet for children and adults alike.
Bearded dragons are a popular pet for children and adults alike. They are easy to care for, don’t need a lot of space, and they’re fun to watch. They are also docile and easy to handle–a great choice if you have young children in your home!
Bearded dragons can live up to 20 years (or longer) with proper care and feeding.
If you want to know when your bearded dragon will shed for the first time, it is important to know what to look for.
If you want to know when your bearded dragon will shed for the first time, it is important to know what to look for. The first time a bearded dragon sheds its skin, it may seem strange because it turns white before the old skin comes off. You should also monitor your pet closely during this period as they are more susceptible to infections and injuries at this time.
If you notice any unusual behavior in your pet or if he/she seems lethargic or listless, take him/her immediately to the vet!
The first time a bearded dragon sheds its skin, it may seem strange because it turns white before the old skin comes off.
When your beardie sheds for the first time, it will be a big change.
The first time a bearded dragon sheds its skin, it may seem strange because it turns white before the old skin comes off. This is normal and happens because all reptiles have two layers of skin: an outer layer and an inner layer (also called epidermis). The outer layer of your pet’s epidermis has been stretched out by growth over time so that when it gets too tight, it needs to be shed in order for your pet to grow properly. When this happens, you’ll see what looks like white flakes falling off–but don’t worry! Those aren’t dead pieces of dead lizard; they’re just loose bits from inside its body that are ready to come out so everything can get back into place again after being stretched out so far!
Once these pieces are gone–and only then–will new ones begin growing underneath them; these will eventually turn into scales once they harden up enough (which takes about 24 hours). Until then though? They’re soft like human baby skin!
Bearded dragons are omnivores that eat a variety of insects like crickets and mealworms, but some people feed them vegetables and fruits as well.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They generally eat insects like crickets and mealworms, but some people feed them vegetables and fruits as well. It’s important to give your bearded dragon a balanced diet so that it gets all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
You can find food for your bearded dragon in pet stores or online by searching “bearded dragon food.” You may also want to try making your own meals from scratch at home if you’re not able to find what you need locally–just make sure they’re packed with protein!
Knowing when your pet will shed its skin can help keep it safe while they’re shedding
Knowing when your pet will shed its skin can help keep it safe while they’re shedding. Bearded dragons are reptiles, so they will shed their skin every 6-8 weeks. When bearded dragons shed their skin, they are growing and need to eat less food and sleep more in order to do so. This means that during the time before a bearded dragon sheds its skin, it’s important for you to make sure that the tank has enough water (for drinking), heat sources (to stay warm), food items (if you want them eating), space for exercise on top of all this!
Bearded dragons also tend to get sick more often during this time because their immune system isn’t functioning properly due to stress caused by lack of sleep/food intake which makes them susceptible towards infections like conjunctivitis or respiratory infections among other things.
Why is my bearded dragon’s skin peeling
Why is my Bearded Dragon shedding?
Bearded Dragons will shed due to either growth or replacing damaged skin.
- Bearded Dragons shedding due to growth:From 0 – 6 months old shedding is an almost weekly occurrence. This is simply down to the growth of your Bearded Dragon. So take that as a good sign.Our Bearded Dragons skin is made from a keratin based protein. It’s also not porous or elasticated like ours. So with growth, comes shedding.Imagine trying to fit into a tight shirt or blouse. You will just end up ripping it, or popping the buttons when you sit down, or move. That’s much the same for beardies.The shedding progress varies depending on age. During those vital growing months (0-6 months) the shed will more often than not be an all over shed. Often only taking a day or so to complete.From 6-12 months when most of the ‘rapid’ growth is done the shedding will be less frequent. Probably every couple of weeks at 6 months, moving to around once every couple of months at 12 months.After 12 months your Bearded Dragon will shed even less frequently.At around 18 months when growth in terms of bone and muscle is done, a Beardie will only shed a couple of times a year. Think of this as more of a change of clothes than anything else.
- Bearded Dragons can shed due to damaged skin:Beardie’s skin surface can get damaged, dirty, scraped and battered, due to their environment. So a shed of old skin is needed for a fresh protective layer.
Pete has also written about Bearded Dragons and Brumation that you may like to read
bearded dragon shedding problems
For first-time reptile owners, the bearded dragon shedding process may seem very confusing.
As a bearded dragon ages, its skin does not stretch, so it will have to shed the layers of its outer skin to keep up with its rapid rate of growth.
But if your beardie has an incomplete shed or is not shedding at all, you will need to find the cause.
As a general rule, a bearded dragon not shedding is caused by improper habitat conditions, specifically involving too low humidity and too high of a temperature. Dehydration, stress, and poor nutrition will also cause shedding problems.
You should address issues with shedding right away to prevent skin infections and other serious health issues.
Keep reading for more information on how to avoid shedding problems with your beardie, methods to help them through the uncomfortable process, and behavioral changes you might observe.
How Do You Avoid Shedding Problems In Bearded Dragons?
Many problems associated with shedding are easily preventable with proper diet, care, and habitat maintenance.
Every bearded dragon owner will be faced with shedding issues at least a couple of times in their pet’s life.
Check The Temperature
The temperature and humidity inside your bearded dragon’s enclosure play a large part in the shedding process.
Reptiles are unable to regulate their body temperature, so they rely on external temperatures to stay comfortable.
If the temperature and humidity are too low, your beardie may become lethargic, and its body will not initiate the natural process of shedding.
If the temperature is too high, your beardie may turn white.
Because a bearded dragon does not shed its entire body at once, it is entirely normal for patches of skin to turn white prior to shedding.
If your lizard turns white and does not shed, this is a cause for concern.
If the temperature is within the acceptable range, your pet may be suffering from a severe illness, and you should seek veterinary care.
For adult bearded dragons, the cool end of the enclosure should maintain a temperature between 80-90° degrees Fahrenheit (32° C).
The basking area should range from 90-95° degrees Fahrenheit (35° C).
Nighttime temperatures should never go below 75° degrees Fahrenheit (24° C).
Baby and juvenile bearded dragons require a much warmer basking area.
The proper basking temperature for babies should be around 110° degrees Fahrenheit (43° C), and for juveniles, it needs to be at least 100° degrees Fahrenheit (38° C).
Check The Humidity
The overall humidity should range from 35%-40%, and you may need to lightly mist your bearded dragon with water when it is shedding to ensure proper hydration.
A dehydrated reptile will not shed properly, so be sure to provide your pet with fresh, clean water at all times.
A shallow water dish will allow your bearded dragon to soak its body when it is needed.
Allowing your lizard to soak in warm water 2-3 timers per month also helps keep its skin hydrated.
You will need to check the temperature and humidity regularly to maintain an optimal environment for your lizard.
In addition to ensuring proper temperature and humidity levels within the enclosure, make sure your beardie has a few rough surfaces to rub its body on.
Sometimes a bearded dragon will need to rub on a surface such as tree bark to remove the shedding skin from its body.
Proper lighting and substrate in your pet’s vivarium will also go a long way to keeping your reptile happy and healthy.