Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello to everyone,
Mortimer (approx 8-10 months) has been going through his first major shed during the last two weeks and has been acting kind of strangely. Is it typical for CB Uro's to get depressed/tired/moody when they are shedding? He has been getting use to being handled for the last couple of months (just skittish, not hissing or biting)but since the shedding began I simply have to look at him the 'wrong' way and he runs right into his hide. His days are way shorter (he sleeps a lot as it is). The skin seems to be coming off okay, just slowly. Should I bathe him? Leave him alone until he's finished? He doesn't seem to be as interested in food as before but he is still eating and is having regular poops. Should I take it personally, be concerned or shrug it off as adolescence? (i miss my boy )
Thanks all,
maggie.

I wouldn't worry about it. Malis seem to be especially moody around shedding time. Ra did not take his first major shed very well either. He was very moody and would even hiss at me if I looked at him for too long. After the shed was over, he was completely back to normal. Since then, he is shedding again but this time he's taking it much better. I think he still gets a little embarrassed if I stare too long but his moodiness is gone.
Mortimer might take it better the next time around.

By the way, don't take it personally. Malis are just grumpy by nature
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra