Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My buddy has shed problems with his, wants to know shouldn't the shed come off in bib pieces? He works with them everyday, should they be left alone except 1x to 2x per week to shed them?
He keeps them dry and warm. Info would be helpful.
Thanks,
Bill

You didn't provide a lot of detailed info so I am just going to take some guesses. If the cage is warm and dry, it may be too warm and too dry. Altough these are desert dwelling herps, they actually seek out slightly cooler temps by spending time in underground burrows, rocks and crevices. Our gilas actively seek out areas in their exhibit that are in the 77-82 degree range but will spend short periods of time basking in areas that reach 88-92 deg F. Night temps, depending on the season, will range from the low 60's to the upper 70's. Also, we provide our exhibits with microclimates in the form of underground burrows that allow for much higher ambient humidity levels. The gilas actively seek these out during shed cycles (which can take some time as they skin does slough off in little pieces/patches). I would also recommend NOT holding them every day. Once a week is more than enough. Hope this helps.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest, IL

>>My buddy has shed problems with his, wants to know shouldn't the shed come off in bib pieces? He works with them everyday, should they be left alone except 1x to 2x per week to shed them?
>>He keeps them dry and warm. Info would be helpful.
>>Thanks,
>>Bill
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I would agree with all that Rob said here. In Daniel Beck's new book, he speaks a lot about how Heloderma dehydrate surprisingly easily for a desert lizard.

Sam

>>You didn't provide a lot of detailed info so I am just going to take some guesses. If the cage is warm and dry, it may be too warm and too dry. Altough these are desert dwelling herps, they actually seek out slightly cooler temps by spending time in underground burrows, rocks and crevices. Our gilas actively seek out areas in their exhibit that are in the 77-82 degree range but will spend short periods of time basking in areas that reach 88-92 deg F. Night temps, depending on the season, will range from the low 60's to the upper 70's. Also, we provide our exhibits with microclimates in the form of underground burrows that allow for much higher ambient humidity levels. The gilas actively seek these out during shed cycles (which can take some time as they skin does slough off in little pieces/patches). I would also recommend NOT holding them every day. Once a week is more than enough. Hope this helps.
>>
>>Rob Carmichael, Curator
>>The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
>>City of Lake Forest, IL
>>
>>>>My buddy has shed problems with his, wants to know shouldn't the shed come off in bib pieces? He works with them everyday, should they be left alone except 1x to 2x per week to shed them?
>>>>He keeps them dry and warm. Info would be helpful.
>>>>Thanks,
>>>>Bill
>>-----
>>Rob Carmichael, Curator
>>The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
>>Lake Forest, IL