Shed stuck around mouth/nostril area? Help with removal!!

[bettashawn]

I have two leopard geckos, and in VA during the winter, we don't get much humidity. Past sheds have been terrible, with me having to remove shed stuck on toes, head, and legs. However, my geckos still have shed stuck on the crease of the mouth, and somewhat near the nostrils. The nostrils are free and not blocked. It has been a little while since the shed has been stuck, and I figured that I'dd let my geckos overcome this challenge_ guess not. What would be safest and least stressful way to remove this shed.

Again: nostrils are not obstructed, and the mouth is enabled to open.
Please help, and thanks in advance.

-Shawn

 

[katie_]

Do you have a humid hide?

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Yeah what are you doing for a humid hide? My house is horridly dry this winter - my snakes' water bowls evaporate in only a couple days. My Leo's have humid hides - just Tupperware filled with moist sphagnum moss with a 2-3 inch hole cut in the lid - and have had absolutely no issues shedding. Sounds like yours really needs something similar.

If the shed is loose you can gently rub it and see if it comes off. If its more stubborn, soak them in 90 degree water for 10 minutes or so and try rubbing again. Above all provide a moist hide so they can do it themselves the next time.

 

[Kylerbassman]

Well, my male does have minor shedding issues but I think it has to do a lot with supplementation and morph/genes. It also could be that the previous owner (of mine) didn't supplement correctly/well. There are various things that can contribute and you can just have one that will no matter what, have issues. A good soak will help and helping them to get shed off, as stated above, is fine as long as you aren't really pulling and your being gentle. You can use a qtip to get the nose shed off, just rub gently . I would check all your husbandry to make sure there isn't something contributing to shedding issues.

 

[sausage]

agreed, you must have a humid hide in the viv regardless of your country’s humidity. The easiest and cheapest way to do it is use a small plastic food container (big enough for your gecko to get in and turn around in ideally). With the lid on cut a hole either in the side of in the lid (again big enough for the gecko to comfortably get in and out of, also make sure there’s no sharp edges). Put some wet moss or just wet paper towels inside. Your gecko will go inside as and when it needs to, its that simple
If the shed on the mouth is causing no problem or constriction then I personally wouldn’t worry about it. It will come off when its ready or with the next shed.
or you could try using damp cotton wool to moisten it and try rubbing it off with a qtip or your finger but I guarantee that he wont be very compliant with that