Shedding

[joneill]

Hi everyone. I am new to the leopard gecko hobby but am already smitten. Currently I have a 6 month old jungle phase female and an 8 week old bell albino male. Just wanted to check on a shedding issue with people who know leos. Is it true that they don't eat a day or two before they shed? Why is this? Do they get stressed or do they feel out of sorts? Any advice on the topic would be appreciated.

 

[jerrymb]

Mine just shed for the first time about 5 days ago and I noticed no change in his appetite or mood.

 

[Blazebabe]

Blaze shed the 2nd week of having her and as done several times since and again lastnight but there's been no sign of loss of appetite and for a healthy leo they shed their skins every 2-5 weeks.

 

[Euphillia]

My gecko has been shedding weekly for a few months now, she does lose some interest in food for a day or 2.

 

[SDCowboy]

Mine shed two days ago and there wasn't a real noticeable change in appetite.

 

[Blazebabe]

No i've never had this problem with mine at all with going off food.

 

[Rolltide30]

My Leo sheds once a week, but it's still a juvenile and has a huge appetite and is growing alot. It eats about ten 1/2-3/4" crickets a day but the day before it sheds only about 5-6 are eaten. Then goes back to 10 or so.

 

[lovelovelove135]

My leo is an adult, I believe, and ever since I got her, she did have a change in appetite one or 2 days before shedding. The reason? I don't know, sorry haha But it's completely normal for a leo to lose its appetite before shedding

 

[Dog Shrink]

With some leos their appetite will be affected a couple days before shedding because they're uncomfortable. Some won't eat for a day or 2 because they usually eat their shed and are full. I usually won't even offer food the next day or so to make sure they don't regurgitate.

 

[Blazebabe]

Well blaze got stuck into her calicumed crickets lastnight, she shed her skin on wednesday and as i'm typing another lot of skin is coming off, i can't wait to see her colours again.

 

[LeoMerlin]

How do you tell when they're about to shed? I haven't really been able to tell if Merlin has shed, is about to, etc. I've had him for the last two weeks now, so just wondering what to expect.

 

[SDCowboy]

How do you tell when they're about to shed? I haven't really been able to tell if Merlin has shed, is about to, etc. I've had him for the last two weeks now, so just wondering what to expect.

They will go really white. Almost like they rolled in chalk dust. You will know because they will look dusty for a day or two in advance.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Some are pigs and will eat while shedding. Some go off food a few days. Some skip a day of food. Some eat the day of shedding. Each gecko has its' own preference that's right for them. Nothing to be concerned about

You may not see them when they're about to shed, and they do it secretly, but if they look all ghosty and dull, it's about to shed.

 

[LeoMerlin]

Okay do their behaviors change during shedding? Merlin seems to be a little slow the last couple days so I didn't know if that had anything to do with it or if he's just getting used to his new home still.

 

[Dog Shrink]

Shedding affects each leo differently. Mine gets a "leave me alone" attitude. Others could slow down eating or activity. It all deepens on the leo. If you're seeing personality change and all your husbandry spot on and your leo is coming into shed it's likely the shed causing the issue.

 

[Blazebabe]

How do you tell when they're about to shed? I haven't really been able to tell if Merlin has shed, is about to, etc. I've had him for the last two weeks now, so just wondering what to expect.

SDcowboy, is right in the details for shedding and the colour makes them look as if the skins really dry also