The Shedding Frequency of Crested Geckos
The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is a fascinating reptile that originates from the tropical forests of New Caledonia. As pets, these charismatic geckos are beloved for their gentle nature, unique appearance, and relatively simple care requirements. However, to properly care for a crested gecko, owners must educate themselves on all aspects of their biology and behavior. One important facet of crested gecko husbandry is understanding their shedding process.
Like all reptiles, crested geckos shed their skin periodically as a normal part of their growth and development. The shedding process allows them to replace old, worn skin cells with newer ones to maintain healthy scales and optimal function. For crested gecko owners, being aware of shedding frequency and properly assisting geckos during this phase is key to their wellbeing.
In this comprehensive article, we will dive into every aspect of shedding in crested geckos. We will cover the reasons behind shedding, the frequency of this phenomenon, and what to look for to identify an imminent shed. You’ll also learn tips for preparing the habitat, assisting with the shedding process, and post-shed care. By the end of this guide, you’ll be fully prepared to manage every stage of the crested gecko’s shedding cycle expertly. So let’s get started!
Reasons Behind Shedding in Crested Geckos
To understand shedding frequency in crested geckos, we must first comprehend why these reptiles shed in the first place. Shedding serves numerous important purposes for a crested gecko’s health and development.
Growth: As crested geckos grow, the skin expands to accommodate their increasing body mass. Eventually, the skin becomes too tight and needs replacement with a larger skin layer. Frequent shedding in younger, growing geckos facilitates this growth.
Damage Repair: Skin can become worn, torn, or injured over time. Shedding allows crested geckos to discard damaged areas and generate fresh, intact skin.
Parasite Removal: Mites, ticks and other skin parasites can infest a crested gecko’s skin. Shedding effectively eliminates these pests and infections.
Hygiene: Shedding enables geckos to maintain clean, hygienic skin by removing accumulated dirt, debris and waste products.
Color Change: Crested geckos can change color, and shedding old skin allows new color patterns to emerge.
Without the ability to shed, crested geckos would be unable to thrive. Therefore, skin shedding serves an indispensible biological function for their health and survival.
The Crested Gecko’s Shedding Process
To better understand the frequency of shedding, it helps to first know the different steps involved in the crested gecko’s shedding process:
- Pre-shed Stage: The gecko stops eating 1-2 days before shedding. Its colors become muted and skin takes on a whitish hue.
- Actively Shedding: Skin begins peeling off in patches, often starting from the legs and tail. The gecko may rub against surfaces to help slough off skin.
- Removal: Most of the skin detaches within 12 hours. The gecko consumes the shed skin for nutrients.
- Post-Shed: Over the next few days, any remaining skin pieces detach. The gecko’s bright colors and patterns return.
A full shedding cycle can last around 5-7 days. Being aware of the different stages helps identify when your gecko is preparing to shed and when intervention may be required. Most geckos shed their skin effortlessly but occasionally issues like retained shed can arise.
Recognizing Signs of an Impending Shed
Crested geckos exhibit specific behaviors and physical indications when they are getting ready to shed. Recognizing these pre-shed signs allows owners to optimize habitat conditions and prepare any assistance needed:
– Lack of appetite: Geckos stop eating a day or two before shedding
– Change in color: Their skin appears milky or whitish
– Blue coloration: A blue color surrounds the eyes and mouth
– Opaque appearance: Eyes turn greyish and skin looks hazy
– Dullness: Colors become muted and skin looks dry
– Irritation: Gecko may rub its nose and eyes frequently
When you observe any combination of these symptoms, prepare for your crested gecko to shed its skin within the next 24 hours. Having an eye out for pre-shed signals gives you a chance to take action before and during the shedding event.
The Role of Humidity in Shedding
One of the most important factors influencing healthy shedding in crested geckos is the relative humidity level in their habitat. Proper humidity helps lubricate between old and new skin layers, allowing the gecko to shed completely and with minimal effort.
Ideally, the habitat should maintain a humidity level between 60-80% when a crested gecko is gearing up to shed. This can be achieved by misting the enclosure more frequently, using a humidifier, or placing a moist hide box in the terrarium.
Low humidity under 40% results in dry, flaky skin that adheres to the new skin underneath. This causes uncomfortable retained shed which hinders the gecko’s movements and vision. Ensure high humidity around shedding time to avoid this.
Frequency of shedding in crested geckos:
| Age | Frequency of Shedding |
| Newborn to 6 months | Every 1-2 weeks |
| 6 months to 1 year | Every 2-3 weeks |
| 1-2 years | Every 3-4 weeks |
| 2 years and up | Every 4-6 weeks |
Assisting the Gecko During Shedding
In most cases, a healthy crested gecko will shed its skin effortlessly without any assistance. But occasionally issues can arise where you may need to intervene:
– Retained Shed: If pieces of old skin remain stuck after 24 hours, gently peel them off using a cotton swab moistened with lukewarm water. Avoid pulling aggressively.
– Constipation: Soak the gecko for 10-15 minutes in shallow, lukewarm water to soften the skin and promote bowel movements.
– Stuck Shed: Increase humidity levels and provide rough surfaces for the gecko to rub against to remove clingy skin.
– Impaired Mobility: Assist feeding if the gecko is unable to catch prey due to limited vision or mobility from retained shed.
Monitor for signs of stress during assistance and separate sick geckos until shedding completes. With patience and proper technique, you can safely help your crested gecko complete an uncomfortable shed.
Providing Post-Shed Care
Once your crested gecko has completed its shed, certain aftercare steps should be taken to get the gecko back on track:
– Remove any remaining shed: Gently peel off pieces using a moistened q-tip. Avoid pulling too hard.
– Apply moisturizer: Massage a few drops of coconut or olive oil to rehydrate the gecko’s skin.
– Soak in lukewarm water: Allow the gecko to soak for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate its skin after an extensive shed.
– Clean the habitat: Disinfect and replace substrate to remove all traces of shed skin and excrement.
– Monitor eating habits: Resume feeding and watch for normal eating habits to return within a day or two.
– Check for lesions: Look for signs of injury or abrasions from an difficult shed. Seek vet assistance if required.
With proper post-shed husbandry, your crested gecko will quickly get back to its usual routine after shedding its skin.
Typical Shedding Frequency in Crested Geckos
So how often do crested geckos actually shed? The shedding frequency varies based on several factors:
Baby Crested Geckos:
– Up to 2-3 weeks. Babies and juveniles shed frequently to accommodate rapid growth.
Adult Crested Geckos:
– 3-4 weeks. Adult geckos have a somewhat predictable shedding cycle of every 4 weeks on average.
Factors Affecting Frequency:
– Age: Younger geckos shed more frequently than adults.
– Growth Rate: Faster-growing geckos shed more often than slow growers.
– Season: Crested geckos shed more in summer than winter.
– Diet: Poor nutrition leads to prolonged shedding intervals.
– Health: Sickness, dehydration, or stress can impact shedding frequency.
– Habitat: Poor environment conditions affect the gecko’s natural shedding cycle.
Pay close attention in the weeks following a shed to identify when the next one occurs. Keep detailed records to establish your crested gecko’s personalized shedding schedule.
Abnormal Shedding and Potential Health Issues
While periodic shedding is normal, abnormal shedding may signal an underlying health issue requiring attention:
– Prolonged Intervals: Healthy adults shed every 3-6 weeks. Longer intervals may indicate illness.
– Difficulty Shedding: Gecko struggles to shed or retains large patches of skin, indicating dehydration or malnutrition.
– Frequent Shedding: Adult geckos shedding excessively may have a parasitic infection.
– Incomplete Shedding: Parts of toes, feet or tail regularly remain unshed. This can restrict blood flow and lead to loss of digits.
– Lethargy: Geckos appear tired, inactive or hide excessively before or after shedding. This can suggest illness.
Schedule a veterinarian visit if you notice any of the above symptoms accompanying shedding. They will examine the gecko and provide necessary medical care.
Providing Optimal Husbandry for Healthy Shedding
The proper habitat, nutrition and care play a huge role in promoting healthy shedding in crested geckos. Here are some top tips:
– Maintain ideal temperature between 20-26°C and humidity around 60-80%.
– Offer a varied, gut loaded insect diet along with calcium/vitamin supplements.
– Mist the enclosure frequently and provide ample places for gecko to soak its skin.
– Ensure the terrarium has rough, abrasive surfaces for rubbing against during shedding.
– Keep the habitat very clean and hygienic to prevent infections.
By optimizing your crested gecko’s habitat and care, you can maintain a predictable, healthy shedding cycle. Observe closely for pre-shed signals and assist when required. Keep detailed records to identify shedding frequency patterns over time. With attentive husbandry, you can ensure your gecko sheds its skin successfully at regular intervals.
CRESTED GECKO SHEDDING SKIN | How to tell
Conclusion
Now you are fully equipped with comprehensive information on shedding frequency, behavior and care for your crested gecko. Shedding allows crested geckos to eliminate damaged or worn skin, facilitate growth, and maintain good hygiene and skin health. Young geckos under a year old may shed as often as every 1-3 weeks, while adults typically shed every 3-6 weeks. Abnormal shedding can suggest illness or dehydration. Careful observation, ideal habitat conditions and proper assistance during shedding is key. With your diligent care, your crested gecko will manage this complex process smoothly at regular intervals throughout its lifespan.