Leopard gecko (shedding) - Paw Talk

poop1010 · #1 01-01-2009, 08:11 PM

I was wondering if there is a better way to help my gecko shed because I really need him to eat before he starves to death. I usually let him shed naturally but lately he has been having trouble shedding the skin from his eyes. I believe 3 weeks ago he started shedding and when I finally managed to get the skin off one eye he started shedding again.

My method now is... I have a big dish of water so that he could hangout in it. I was spraying him with warm water. Now for his eyes I tried to use wet cotton balls (with no luck), tried spraying him with water and using tweezers to pull it off or I would use my finger to brush it.

Just recently I bought a repti shedding aid spray which seems to be helping but I just wanted some input before I really do anything.

Ravnos · #2 01-02-2009, 03:57 AM

For my leos, I just have a shoebox full of sphagnum moss that I keep moist. I cut a hole in one end, and they go in and out of it as they want the more humid environment. It seems to do the trick pretty well.

Those 'shedding aid' sprays are mostly just water - sometimes with a little vitamin E in them. There's not likely much they'll do that plain old water wouldn't.

Geckos in otherwise good health can go a fairly long time without eating, I wouldn't worry too much about some difficult sheds unless it is a chronic thing - which may point to dehydration, which could be from any number of causes.

Kendalle · #3 01-02-2009, 07:49 AM

for my iguana they have problems shedding spikes, the tip of their tail and toes... and i put mineral oil on those areas when he's shedding... i wouldn't put it near the eyes... but if your gecko has issues else where that could help...

canadiancritter · #4 01-02-2009, 09:10 AM

When I had a gecko I always kept a moist hide, either with moss or paper towel (changed daily)

swedishfish · #5 01-02-2009, 10:41 AM

as already sayed put in a moist hide (i just use a plastik food container with a hole cut in the side and top with paper towle in it) and its good to keep it in there even when the gecko is not sheding. chek his feets make sure there isnt even a small bit of skin could constrikt a toe if there is soak him in warm water (up to his body) for only like 3 mins at a time. also make sure in the tank there is somthing rough to rub on (rock, tree bark of a wood hide, fake cactus). but a moist hide should stop the problem.

poop1010 · #6 01-03-2009, 12:48 AM

yea he usually sheds everything fine except for his head.. I had a container with sand that i use to pour water into but he kept pooping in it and i was tired of cleaning the sand so i just put a little bit of water in it. he seems to like laying on his back in it which i dont think is normal cause he never did it before.