Reptile shedding takes on many different forms, but all reptiles shed their skins. This outer layer is shed because the reptile has outgrown it. Some reptiles, such as snakes, shed in a single long piece. In other reptiles, such as iguanas or bearded dragons, the skin comes off in small sections. In the case of turtles, the skin itself isn’t what is shed; the plates of their shells, or scutes, are shed.

Reptile shedding occurs in different ways for different species, as well. When snakes are ready to shed, their bodies produce a layer of water just under the outermost layer of skin. This helps ease the shedding process, which begins at the head and continues down the body. Snakes rub against the ground and other objects to help loosen the skin, then slip out of it as the skin peels inside-out from around them. It normally takes anywhere from one to two weeks for a snake to completely shed.

It is normal for the skin of the animal to turn slightly cloudy in appearance before the reptile shedding process begins. This is because the old skin has begun to separate from the new skin below it. Different species of reptiles shed differently. For some species, reptile shedding may occur in one to two weeks; in others the process can take up to a few weeks longer.

Reptile shedding also occurs with differing frequencies for different species. For lizards that grow at a very fast pace, shedding may happen every few weeks. For lizards that grow more slowly, shedding may only occur a few times a year. Iguanas, for example, usually shed every 4 to 6 weeks, except during their second and third year when they are growing much and shedding more frequently.

In most snakes, shedding takes place every month or so, although some shed more frequently and others less frequently than this. Many captive reptiles are rather irritable during the shedding process, and handling them during this time is not advised. Some reptiles refuse to eat during some or all of the shedding process.

Although reptile shedding is a completely natural process, there can be problems when reptiles in captivity shed. Correct levels of humidity play a vital role in the reptile shedding process. Ensuring your reptile’s habitat is at the optimal level of humidity for the species is a big help. To further aid in the reptile shedding process, you may wish to spray your reptile more frequently with water to keep him moist.

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