Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i am doing a class project and would like it you can help me learn why leopard geckos shed.
Why do leopard geckos shed?
How often do they shed?
How do they shed?
What are the best housing conditions for a leopard gecko to shed?
thank you very much
ittybitty05

Because basically, reptiles skin doesn't increase in size, so they regrow a new layer and discard the old one as they increase size... Without shedding, the reptiles skin would likely split over time and cause lots of problems.

I have had mine for about 2 weeks, and they have all shed... I hear 2 and a half weeks is regular for a gecko that is still growing.

Moisture builds up beneath the two layers of skin, causing the two layers to seperate. They will then bite it off or rub it off on objects.

The best conditions for shedding is someplace very humid.

On another note, leopard geckos eat the shed skin (lots of nutritional stuff in it)

Here's a little overview...experts...please correct me if I'm wrong about anything! Also...I'm sure the experts can give you more detailed info!

Why do leopard geckos shed?
They shed in order to grow...their skin does not grow with them, and therefore they shed old skin to reveal a new "larger" skin beneath.

How often do they shed?
I'm not sure about this...I think it's every 2-3 weeks...for younger leos at any rate...I could be wrong!

How do they shed?
The rub the skin loose from their nose first and then work it down their body by rubbing against things. Once all of the skin is off they eat it, it provides nutrients and protein to them.

What are the best housing conditions for a leopard gecko to shed?
Basically they just need a humid hide in their cage at all times!
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Christina

0.3.1 leos (soon to be 1.3.1!)
-0.1 tangerine het rainwater albino w/jungle background (Blinkers)
-0.2 jungles (Vahz & Skissor)
-0.0.1 albino (supposed Tremper)(Spitfire)
-soon to be 1.0 tangerine rainwater albino
1.0 australian shepherd/cattle dog (Foster...although he was being fostered before I got him...that has nothing to do with his name...It's after the beer!...lol since he's australian and I'm a college student!)