Reptile & Amphibian Forums

just wondering if there is any particular reason my cuban rock iguana has been eating his own shed skin. i have never noticed him doing this before. could it be a defincency(sp) in his diet? comments? input? thanks

it is common especially with youngsters. I remember seeing mine do it and asking about it. I only saw him eat a shed once but I didn't clean up skin much. I was told it is common and that they do it to retreive nutrients or something. IF I remember the behavior tapers off as they get older. hopefully some one will confirm or correct.

On rare occasions I have observed my C.Cornuta doing the same, more so with younger animals than adults. I belive it is done to retain minerals. I have recently read that it is very common with hatchlings -- and thus one of the risks of using vermiculite as an incubation medium. Vermiculite sticks to the skin, and if accidentally injested, it expands in the intestines and causes blockages.

Last night I watched as my little C pectinata struggled with a large loose shed hanging off her back. I figured she would be less traumatized doing it on her own than if I helped her out. When she finally got the flap under her front feet, she proceeded to eat it. It was a first for me, but luckily I'd heard it's normal.

Roger