-Shedding Guide

🦎 Bearded Dragon Shedding Guide - What to Expect & How to Help
Shedding (also called ecdysis) is a natural process where bearded dragons shed their old skin to allow for growth and renewal. Here's what you need to know to help your dragon stay healthy and comfortable during this time.
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🕒 How Often Do Bearded Dragons Shed?
Babies (0–6 months): Every few weeks (growing rapidly)
Juveniles (6–12 months): Every 4–6 weeks
Adults (12+ months): A few times a year (less frequent, patchy sheds)

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🔍 Signs Your Bearded Dragon is About to Shed
Dull or pale-looking skin
Cloudy, white, or grey patches (especially on limbs, tail, or head)
Decreased appetite
Slightly more irritable or lethargic behavior
Rubbing against objects to loosen skin
Note: These are normal signs. No need to panic!
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🧼 What You Should Not Do
❌ Never pull off the shedding skin — this can cause pain, injury, or infection
❌ Avoid over-handling during shedding if your dragon seems irritated
❌ Don’t bathe too often (once every few days is plenty, if needed)
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✅ How to Help Your Dragon Shed Comfortably
1. Hydration is Key
Keep your dragon well-hydrated by offering fresh water daily
Optional: Warm soaks (10–15 min) every few days can help loosen stubborn shed
2. Proper Humidity
Maintain ambient humidity around 30–40%
3. Provide Rough Surfaces
Rocks, branches, or textured décor help them rub and remove shed naturally
4. Nutritional Support
Ensure a balanced diet and proper calcium/vitamin D3 intake for healthy skin and shedding
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🧩 Common Shedding Areas
Tail tip
Toes
Eyes and head
Belly and limbs
Back in large or patchy flakes (especially in adults)
Shedding may not happen all at once—patchy shedding is normal in older dragons!
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🚨 When to Seek Help
If you notice:
Retained shed on toes or tail (can cut off circulation)
Swelling, blackened tips, or infection signs
No shedding in a long time despite growth
Behavioral changes lasting more than 1–2 weeks
👉 Consider contacting a reptile veterinarian or experienced breeder for help.
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🧴 Optional Shedding Aids
Reptile shedding sprays (safe, vet-approved only)
Coconut oil or olive oil on dry stuck shed (small amount onl
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🐉 Summary
Shedding is completely normal — it’s a sign your dragon is growing or maintaining healthy skin. With gentle support and good husbandry, your beardie will breeze through this phase just fine.