Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am having a problem getting the old dead skin off of my uro's tail. It is obviously there from an old shed. He also has small spots on him that havent came off yet either. He's been like this since I got him, about a month ago. I have tried soaking him, but he hates it. He wont stay in the water. Is there any other tricks to getting him hydrated or whatever to get the old shed off? Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated.
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Heidi Kagarise
purpledragon777@hotmail.com

1.0.0 MALI UROMASTYX (Spike)
0.0.1 BALL PYTHON (Slick)
1.0.0 BUDGIE ('G')
2.2.0 BARN CATS
0.0.3 FISH
0.1.0 MINI REX RABBIT (Tu)

I've not tried it, but I hear you can dab mineral oil on the spots to help loosen the old shed.
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Torey
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
1.1 Anolis Carolinensis (Bowser and Leeloo)
1.1 African Dwarf Frogs (Bruce and Sheila)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
0.0.2 Sunset Dwarf Gourami (Gimpy and Sideshow)
0.0.6 Bloodfin Tetras (including the one-eyed Captain Morgan)
0.0.1 False Spotted Corydoras (Spot)
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

Mineral oil or baby oil may help you like Torey said. Just dab some on a few times a day and the skin should loosen up.

Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

Thanks. I will try it and see what happens. thanks again.
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Heidi Kagarise
purpledragon777@hotmail.com

1.0.0 MALI UROMASTYX (Spike)
1.0.0 BEARDED DRAGON
0.0.1 BALL PYTHON (Slick)
1.0.0 BUDGIE ('G')
2.2.0 BARN CATS
0.0.3 FISH
0.1.0 MINI REX RABBIT (Tu)

After about six times, mine learned to LOVE the baths. Especially in the morning or evening when they are cold and the water is nice and warm, they will do the "I'm comfortable" wiggle and just "bask" in the warm water. The first six times they freaked out a bit, but gradually I calmed them by putting my hand over them. It's just like any other pet, a little love goes a long way.
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Mark Martinez
University of Florida

n/p

If you don't have a temp gun to measure the temp of the water, just make it like very warm bath water. Slightly warmer than a bearded dragons bath. 100 degrees will feel like it's warm but not burning you. If you get burned then the uro will too.

Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

I'm not sure if I'd trust the readings from a temp gun for water. The surface is uneven and transparent so it might distort the infrared beam and give a false reading. I use a simple indoor thermometer and stick in the water every few minutes to check the temperature. I've found that at 100 degrees (even better at 115 degrees for Ra), my uro sits still in the water, closes his eyes, and deflates (it's so cute because he looks like he's smiling ). If the temperature drops to about 90 degrees, he tries hard to climb out, using my arm like a rescue rope. I take him out and warm up the water again (I drain some first) and test the temperature. When it's hot enough, I put him back in and he settles down. I also double-check the temperature of the water with my hand to make sure the thermometer is reading correctly. So far, no problems.
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

temp guns actually measure water temps very well. it takes surface temp, so it doesn't see the "transparency" as you do.

we have a number of fish and aquarium hobbyists using the PE Temp Guns with great results
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

I wasn't sure about the accuracy of the infrared beam on a liquid's surface. Thanks for the info. I'll use both next time.
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

like a hot shower. You stick your hand in there, and go, ooooo too hot, and pull your hand away, then its too hot, very simple. I'll tell you this, it can't be lukewarm, its gotta be fairly hot. Think about the temperature of water you'd like to stick your feet into after a cold winter day outside.
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Mark Martinez
University of Florida