another shed question

[jtran1020]

so my beardie is shedding his legs and tail and hes really close to being done. The only thing left is the tip and the base of his tail. He seems really lazy and not even trying to shed it. Ive been giving him soaks but hes not even trying to get it off. what should i do?

 

[alcolton]

My beardie doesn't try to get her shed moving along either, so I soak her in the tub and very slowly and very carefully peel away the parts that won't come off. She doesn't seem to mind at all. I usually let her hang out in the water for about 10 mins and then pull her out refill it with warm water again and then put her back in for the "spa style peel". Then she gets extra cuddle time and running around with a few extra crickets. Hopefully you are able to do the same!

 

[jtran1020]

ok sounds good. im gonna try it. The base of his tail is loose so ill help him with that but the tip is still on there pretty good. should i rub anything on there to loosen it up?

 

[jtran1020]

bump

 

[Damieboo]

Rubbing or gently massaging unshedded body parts during a bath really helps to loosen the sheds. If there's little to no tension when you pull on the shed, just peel it off. If it seems like it's still sticking to scales, you can try rubbing a drop of vegetable oil onto the shed and letting it soak in. I've heard it helps soften and loosen sheds.

 

[jtran1020]

should i put the olive oil on before or after the bath? and how long do i put it on for?

 

[Damieboo]

It's alright to put a few drops in the bathwater, but it can give the dragon diarrhea because it's a laxative. Letting it soak into the shed skin for 5-10 minutes is good.

 

[jtran1020]

oh! so you put the drops into the water! i thought on his tail this whole time!

 

[Damieboo]

Lol, you CAN put it directly on his tail, which I'd suggest, cause of the whole laxative thing. Even if your dragon doesn't directly drink the bathwater, they absorb some of it through their vent, so it might have the same effect.

Much luck!

Another technique i just remembered is wetting a towel with warm water and wrapping it around the shedding body part. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and it should loosen/soften the shed for you to gently pull off.

 

[jtran1020]

You have been so helpful. Thank you. Which would u say is the best method

 

[Damieboo]

I'd go with the towel first, and if that doesn't work, try rubbing some oil onto the shed and then bathing.

 

[jtran1020]

ok so i did the olive oil for 10 mins and then bathed but the shed is still on there. some of it chipped off but what now?

 

[Damieboo]

In this case, the shed simply might not be ready. Sometimes it can take weeks for a shed to come off, which is fine as long as it doesn't appear to be cutting off circulation (their fingers/limbs may appear puffy or swollen).

 

[jtran1020]

its not swollen just black. i tried to scratch some off and he flinched. did i hurt him?

 

[Damieboo]

Black? Can you supply any photos of it? Black doesn't sound very healthy... :/

If he flinches, leave it alone for a little while.