Handling a bearded dragon while it is shedding its skin can be a tricky issue for owners. On one hand, many owners enjoy holding and interacting with their pets. But on the other hand, shedding is a sensitive time for bearded dragons that requires special care and consideration.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: It is generally not recommended to hold or handle a bearded dragon very much while it is actively shedding its skin. However, you can provide some gentle assistance if needed.
What Happens During a Bearded Dragon’s Shedding Cycle
The shedding process
Bearded dragons shed their skin as they grow, allowing their body to stretch and expand. This shedding process is called ecdysis. During ecdysis, dragons start becoming duller in color as the old outer layer of skin separates from the new layer forming underneath.
This allows the old skin to be shed off in pieces or flakes. The shedding process happens gradually, with patches of skin flaking off over time. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to complete a full body shed.
Shedding typically happens more frequently when bearded dragons are young and growing quickly. Adult dragons shed less – around 2-4 times a year. The skin is often shed symmetrically, with the same areas peeling on both sides of the body at once.
Key areas that are prone to shedding include the head, back, tail and legs. After shedding, dragons become more vibrant in color again.
Signs your bearded dragon is shedding
There are several noticeable signs that your bearded dragon is going into shed mode:
- Dull, faded colors
- White skin under the loosening scales
- Crusty skin on the body, head or extremities
- Excessive rubbing against objects in their enclosure
- Small pieces of skin coming off, sometimes attached in strings
These symptoms arise gradually and intensify as more and more skin detaches. Owners may also notice their dragon is grumpier due to skin sensitivity and discomfort. Nonetheless, shedding is healthy and an important part of a bearded dragon’s life cycle.
Sensitivities and discomfort during shedding
As the old outer skin layer separates, bearded dragons often experience sensitivities and some degree of discomfort. The loosening skin likely causes sensations such as tingling, itching and irritation. Parts of the skin can also detach awkwardly and get caught on objects, adding to the unease.
What’s more, new delicate skin has formed underneath before the old skin has fallen off.
For these reasons, dragons frequently demonstrate more reclusive behaviors and wariness about being handled when going into a shed. Some key signs your dragon is feeling sensitive or sore during this time include:
- Hiding more than usual
- Increased aggression or skittishness
- Reluctance to move around
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Rubbing body against surfaces
These symptoms result directly from skin irritation and should resolve after shedding. If abnormal behaviors persist, an exam by a qualified reptile vet is recommended.
Risks of Handling a Shedding Bearded Dragon
Physical discomfort and stress
Handling a bearded dragon while it is shedding can cause it physical discomfort and stress. The old skin is literally peeling off their body during this process, so they are extra sensitive to touch. Picking them up may tug on the loosening skin before it’s ready to come off.
This can be painful or irritating for the dragon. Excessive handling may also disrupt natural shedding behaviors like rubbing against objects to help remove the skin. The stress of being handled can further delay the shedding process.
Potential to remove skin prematurely
Another risk of handling a shedding dragon is accidentally removing skin before the new layer underneath is ready. The old skin will begin detaching from the new layer beneath it. If the old skin gets pulled off too soon, it can expose areas of raw, sensitive new skin that aren’t hardened or ready for direct contact.
This can cause pain, increase the risk of infection, and interrupt the normal shedding process.
Interrupting necessary shedding behaviors
Bearded dragons engage in important natural behaviors to facilitate the shedding process. They will rub against rocks, branches, and other surfaces in their habitat to help loosen the old skin. They may also soak in their water dish more frequently or scratch with their claws to help remove skin.
Handling a shedding dragon can prevent them from performing these instinctive activities vital for a healthy shed. Additionally, movement from handling can cause the old skin to stick more tightly to the new layer rather than flaking off naturally.
Providing Proper Care During Shedding
Shedding is a natural process for bearded dragons as they grow and their skin needs to be replaced. While shedding, also called ecdysis, dragons become more vulnerable and require some additional care and attention.
By maintaining proper habitat conditions, providing soaking baths, and assisting gently with any stuck shed skin, you can help ensure your dragon’s shedding goes smoothly.
Maintaining Ideal Habitat Conditions
Creating the right environment in your bearded dragon’s terrarium or enclosure can promote a healthy shed. Ideal conditions include:
- Ambient temperatures between 95-110°F on the warm side, dropping to 75-85°F on the cool side.
- Basking area temperature of 105-115°F to help regulate metabolism.
- Moderate humidity between 30-40%. Too much humidity can cause respiratory infections.
- Provide hiding spots so dragons can retreat if feeling stressed.
- Ensure 12 hours per day of UVB light exposure for vitamin D3 synthesis.
- Thoroughly clean the enclosure before shedding begins to prevent bacterial or fungal growth on new skin.
Closely monitoring temperatures and humidity levels during ecdysis is key to promoting shedding health. Bearded dragons also tend to eat less while shedding, so providing fresh greens and vegetables daily maintains nutrition.
Giving Soaking Baths
Giving your bearded dragon a warm bath during a shed helps hydrate their skin and loosen old layers. Aim for 10-20 minute baths once or twice per week in 85-90°F shallow, dechlorinated water up to their shoulders.
Gently rubbing with a soft bristle toothbrush can assist, but never peel at stuck shed yourself as this can damage new skin underneath.
Soaking Bath Benefits | Tips for Safe Bathing |
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Assisting Gently With Stuck Shed
Even with great care, bits of shed sometimes cling to hard-to-reach spots like toes, tails, and eyelids. Trying to pull stuck shed can tear at healthy new skin so proceed gently. Shallow baths can often take care of mild stuck shed. For more stubborn patches, try:
- Increasing ambient humidity to 40-50% temporarily
- Directing a humidifier or spray bottle mist toward affected area 2-3 times per day
- Gently rubbing mineral oil on stubborn stuck shed
- Using a humidity hide box enriched to 60% humidity for self-shed assistance
If any shed skin persists more than a few days or you notice signs of skin irritation, injury or decreased appetite, contact an exotic vet for assistance removing it properly.
When It May Be Okay to Handle a Shedding Bearded Dragon
Very brief handling when necessary
There may be times when you need to briefly handle your beardie during a shed, such as when cleaning the tank or giving medication prescribed by your vet. However, you should keep this contact extremely brief – just long enough to complete the necessary task.
Avoid prolonging handling unnecessarily, as this can cause additional stress and skin irritation during this sensitive time.
Older, experienced dragons
Mature, veteran beardies that are used to regular handling may be more tolerant of gentle interaction while shedding. However, you should still limit contact compared to normal and watch closely for signs of stress.
If your beardie starts scrambling to escape or gaping its mouth, it’s best to promptly return it to the tank to avoid added anxiety.
With veterinarian guidance
Sometimes health issues like skin infections may require more handling while a beardie sheds its skin. However, this should only be done under the guidance of an experienced reptile vet. They can advise you on the safest way to administer medications or provide supportive care while disturbing your dragon’s shedding process as little as possible.
According to the Bearded Dragon Care Guide, the shedding process is very taxing on a beardie’s body. As their skin detaches, dragons are vulnerable to dehydration, irritation, and instability in body temperature regulation. This makes minimizing handling critical for their well-being.
That said, brief contact when essential should not cause lasting harm. The key is keeping interaction gentle, calm and brief before returning dragons to their habitat to complete the shedding process undisturbed.
Handling Situation | Recommendation |
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Routine handling/playtime | Avoid completely |
Necessary tasks like medication | Permitted briefly with great care |
Under veterinary guidance | Follow vet advice closely |
Tips for Reducing Stress During Shedding
Give space and privacy
Bearded dragons tend to be more irritable and stressed during a shed. It’s best to give them ample space and privacy during this time. Consider minimizing handling and allowing them to rest in a quiet, undisturbed area of their enclosure.
Placing hides, plants, or other decor items around their basking area can help them feel more secure.
Avoid rearranging the enclosure
Drastic changes to their habitat can further add to their stress. Maintain their normal temperature gradients, lighting schedules, and familiar items like hides and climbing branches during a shed. According to reptile care sites like The Bearded Dragon Guide, keeping their environment consistent is key to minimizing stress.
Keep handling to a minimum
As bearded dragons shed, new delicate skin is exposed underneath. Excessive handling can cause accidental scratches or injury. It’s best to leave them resting as undisturbed as possible during this sensitive time.
However, some gentle handling may be necessary for health checks or assistance removing retained shed skin. In these cases, exercise extreme care and use a soft brush to gently help loosen stubborn skin.
Conclusion
While bearded dragons shed, it’s best to give them space and let the process happen naturally without interference. Handling should be minimized unless a specific need arises. With some planning and proper care, you can help make your bearded dragon’s shedding experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.