Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey its me again, i was just wondering how often your guys skinks shed, and if so, is there any behavior to look for such as lack of appetite or anything like that that would accompany shedding?
thanks, alex

The only thing I can tell you is that your skink gets much darker as the time for shedding approaches. I've had my skink only 2 months and it shed within about the first 3 weeks of me having it. It actually had me worried since I thought the darkening coloration signified some kind of illness, but I was relieved to discover that after it shed, the coloration was so much more brighter than it was when I first got the skink.

thanks for the response. i was wondering why he was so dark also. the thing that worries me is that he hasnt eaten in three days since his shed...is this normal?

My skink, before he shed, still ate like a pig when he was darker. But I do notice that some of my leopard geckos refuse food before shedding. All I can say is, maybe some BTS eat well even before they shed and some may not. Just wait until after he sheds and see if he will eat. Hopefully, your skink will ultimately be alright.

I read your message again and apparently he has already shed. The only advice I can give is maybe you should try offering many different foods andor get a fecal exam for him as soon as possible. Is your skink an adult? If so, I should also mention that I've read that some adults will go through a fasting period, which is when they refuse food for no obvious reason. 3 days is really nothing to be worried about, but if a week or two goes by, you should definitely get a fecal.