Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For those of you that read the Herp Health Forum, this is the same message I posted there, just trying to get a quick response.

I am a rather new parent of a juvenile leopard gecko. His name is Jak. I've had him now for about 3 weeks. He hasn't shed his skin yet, but his skin is getting lighter however, it's still close to it's original colors at the edges where the colors meet. So my first question is, about how long does it take a leopard gecko to shed? Secondly, i've read that shedding problems can cause, among other things, blindness. Jak has been squinting a lot as of late, usually one eye at a time, but more recently he's been squinting both. This has been going on for about a week, as well as the skin discoloration. He's eating fine and I have not noticed any problems in his feces. Is there anything wrong or that I should worry about. If so, what needs to be done to help him? (He has a humidified shelter, and, being in boston, it's rather humid naturally anyways) Or, am I just being a paranoid new parent? Any insight or help is greatly appreciated by myself and Jak. Thanks

It’s pretty common for leos squint or wink at you, especially if the lights are on. There is a good chance your gecko has shed, you just haven’t seen it. It can take anywhere from 3-12 hours for your gecko to turn milky white, and then shed. As long as you have a humid hide available, I wouldn’t worry at all. Watch for any left over shed on your leos toes and eyelids, it can cut off circulation. This is more of a problem with hatchlings as opposed to juveniles and adults. Hope this helps, and keep up the good work!

It's good to know that the winking is common. However, he does it even while under the shelter of his hide rock. More recently he has been leaving one eye closed for anywhere from 15-30 seconds at a time. Also, his skin started getting milky about a week ago, and is still milky, that is why I am concerned. Is my concern rational? Thanks for your help.

Does his outer layer of skin seem loose, like thin tracing paper? I really doubt it would take him a week to shed, but I guess it could happen. Geckos feel quite uncomfortable when they are shedding. Does you gecko seem more skittish that normal?
I still don’t think that your geckos winking is a problem, my geckos do it all the time. Sometimes they will close one eye and watch me from the other. Just to be sure, examine the eyes and look for any irritation (redness) or puss. Let us know if you have any more questions.

no, the outer skin does not seem loose like trace paper. I had read that if the skin didn't shed properly to begin with, it may readhere back to the body, i wasn't sure if that was happening. Also, i wasn't sure if maybe Jak is just changing from his juvy colors to his adult colors, i just didn't think he was that old yet. as for his activity and skittishness, he seems no more perplexed with his reflextion in the glass then normal. I haven't noticed any sort of change in behavior. The eyes look healthy, it was just the winking i was worried about. I guess i'm an over catious new parent. Thanks for your help. Also, how do i go about posting a picture of him, i'd love to show him off.

The color change you have noticed may be due to him growing up, their color can change a lot from hatchling to adult hood.
Pictures are pretty easy, id suggest getting a free account at kingsnake’s photo gallery. It takes a few minutes to fill things out, but its worth it.
Here is the link to get you started, good luck!
kingsnake's gallery