Shedding Problems

This is seldom a problem if their is a humidity box placed on the hot side with moist peat. But sometimes you may run into a problem where the gecko has not shed all the shedding properly. Such as around the head or toes.

Shedding on Head

If he does not shed this in a reasonable time and it looks like its starting to stick back to his head,

don't worry, I discovered a solution for this. Take a clean deli container or small butter container. Poke some air holes in it. Next take a few napkins and fold them a few times and sock in hot warm water. Now place them in the bottom of the container. Place the gecko inside and put the lid on. Make sure the lid fits tightly so he doesn't escape. Now check him in a few hours (3-4). The shedding should be ready to be removed. Use tweezers if you can grab a section of it. If not use a moist q-tip and gently rub it off. It should come off fairly easy, if not place him back into the container for a bit longer. Once you have enough shedding lifted, you may pull it off with the tweezers. It will probably be around his eye too. So gently and slowly pull it. It should pull out of their. He may be holding his eyelid closed which will put up some tension so use caution in doing this. After it is pulled out, if he has had his eyes closed for a length of time, he may keep it closed for a few min until he gets use to the light again. If in doubt or feel uncomfortable doing this, please see a vet for professional assistance.

Shedding on Toes

This is seldom a problem with adults and usually a problem with juveniles or hatchlings. But left untreated can cause amputation of toes and infection. So you want to keep an eye on your pets toes. If their is shedding that never came off it's toes, you will have to intervene. You can stick him in a deli cup for a few hours as described above and then remove it, or you can try a different method. Many people have been successful sticking them in a shallow container of warm water for a little while to loosen up and moisten up the shed and then remove it. Both methods have been known to help remove the shedding that is still attached to their feet.

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