Why Do Leopard Geckos Shed?

One of the most common questions people have about leopard geckos is why they shed. There are a few reasons for this. Leopard geckos usually molt in the fall or winter, but you may also see them do it in the spring or summer.

Leopard geckos grow by shedding their skin, meaning that as they grow, their skin gets too tight and needs to be replaced with new skin. Leopard geckos shed because they lose their old skin when they molt the outer layer of skin.

They will usually stop eating a few days before they molt, and you may also see them act a bit more sluggish than usual. Once they start to shed, they will lose their old skin in pieces for a few days. After they finish molting, they will be wholly new and re-grow their skin.

Why Does My Leopard Gecko Keep Shedding?

One of the most common questions people have about leopard geckos is why they keep shedding. The short answer is that they shed their skin to grow, just like other animals. When a leopard gecko sheds, it rubs its nose and eyes with its hind legs until the old skin peels away.

New skin grows underneath, and the leopard gecko will usually eat the old skin, which helps them get all the nutrients they need.

Leopard geckos typically shed every two to four weeks, but this can vary depending on age, health, and environment.

Some people think that leopard geckos are often shed, but this isn’t a problem, and it’s a good sign that they’re healthy and growing properly.

If your leopard gecko isn’t shedding as often as it should be, there might be something wrong, so you should talk to your vet.

Keep in mind that leopard geckos can lose a lot of weight during their sheds, so it’s essential to make sure they have enough food and water. You might also want to increase the humidity in their environment to help them along. 

Remember that every leopard gecko is different, so don’t be surprised if your gecko has a different shedding schedule than others. As long as they’re healthy and growing, everything is probably just fine.

What Should I Feed My Leopard Gecko While It’s Shedding?

There are a few things you can feed your leopard gecko while it’s shedding. Some people recommend feeding them mealworms, waxworms, or crickets. The live food will help stimulate your gecko’s appetite and allow it to shed its skin more quickly.

Just make sure that whatever you give them is soft and easy to digest. You don’t want your leopard gecko to get constipated while it’s shedding. If you’re not sure what to feed your leopard gecko, you can ask your veterinarian, and they will recommend something safe for your gecko to eat.

You should also make sure that your leopard gecko has plenty of water needed to drink a lot of water when they’re shedding so they can stay hydrated. Dehydration can occur during shedding, so watch your lizard’s water intake.

Your leopard gecko will probably lose some weight while it’s shedding, and this is normal and nothing to worry about as long as your leopard gecko usually eats and drinks; there is no reason to worry.

Leopard geckos are omnivores and will eat a variety of food items. It is essential to give your leopard gecko foods high in protein and low in fat during shedding season. 

Why Do Leopard Geckos Eat Their Shed?

There are a few reasons why leopard geckos might eat their shed skin. One reason is that the shed skin might contain nutrient-rich goodness that the gecko wants to get its hands on. 

Another reason is that eating the shed skin might help the gecko digest its food better. As surprising as it may sound, some leopard geckos enjoy the taste of their shed skin. Whatever the reason may be, it’s clear that leopard geckos see shed skin as something beneficial, and they’re not the only ones.

Leopard geckos consume their shed skin to replenish certain nutrients that are essential to their health.

By eating their skin, they’re able to ingest essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that they would not otherwise get from their regular diet. Additionally, this behavior helps keep their environment clean and free of any potential toxins or parasites that could harm them.

The shed skin contains valuable nutrients that the gecko can’t get elsewhere. The skin also contains essential oils that help keep the gecko’s skin healthy and hydrated. By eating their shed skin, leopard geckos can replenish these nutrients and oils, which helps keep them healthy and looking their best.

Can I Hold My Leopard Gecko After It Sheds?

Yes, you can handle your leopard gecko after it sheds. However, be careful not to rub its new skin raw. Handle your leopard gecko gently and avoid touching its eyes or mouth until the skin has completely healed.

Avoid areas that are still moist. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh water and food to help your gecko recover from the shed. Geckos will typically eat their old skin, so there is no need to remove it. However, make sure that your hands are clean before handling your gecko, and avoid handling them if they are sick or injured.

Be careful not to remove any new skin as your gecko is shedding accidentally. You may also want to wait until the new skin has hardened before handling your gecko again.

Handling your leopard gecko during shedding might help speed up the process. The new skin is delicate and can be easily damaged. Be sure to provide plenty of water and food for your gecko during this time.

Some owners report that their geckos are more active and playful after they’ve shed their skin. Just be sure to handle your gecko gently and avoid grabbing it by the tail – you don’t want to risk pulling off any loose skin.

And if your leopard gecko does happen to lose a piece of its skin, keep an eye on the area for infection and seek veterinary care if necessary. Handling your leopard gecko also helps to increase bonding between you and your pet. However, make sure you are gentle and do not handle your gecko too much.

Excessive handling can stress out your leopard gecko and delay the shedding process.

FAQ’s about Leopard Gecko

Conclusion On Why Leopard Geckos Shed

So why does the leopard gecko shed in the first place? The answer lies in the reptile’s biology. Leopard geckos are ectothermic, meaning that their environment regulates their body temperature. Meaning that as the environment becomes colder, the leopard gecko’s body will slow down, and its skin will become dry and cracked.

The leopard gecko must shed its old skin and replace it with a new one to prevent dehydration and death. While shedding can be a complicated process for the leopard gecko, it is necessary to stay healthy and thrive.

By understanding why leopard geckos shed, we can better care for these fascinating creatures. For more exotic pets information, subscribe to our website by filling out the form below.