Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am having problems with my Solomon Island skinks and shedding. I know the answer is probably increasing the humidity overall but I need some help for right now. Two of them have two layers of shed on their feet and it isn't looking like it is coming off very well. I soaked them in the bath for half an hour one day. This used to work for my Argentinian tegus when they had that problem, which they seemed to have when they were younger but don't have anymore. Anyone have any other remedies or ideas? Thanks. -Lucy
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Lucy
www.smalldragons.com

Hi Lucy,
With our lizards (chams; skinks; beardies), we use Mineral Oil. You can add a bit to the warm bath water - or apply on a cotton swab directly to the stubborn area. We have even used a moist towel (water and oil mix) and placed it in a tub (sit on a heat pad to keep warm) - for those lizards that don't like to soak in knee-deep water. It will soften the skin to the point where you can peel off the old (carefully).

Hope it works for you.
Morgana

Morgana,

I'll try the mineral oil, thanks. They don't mind soaking. They sometimes sit in their water bowl, but it's not big enough for all four feet. Maybe I should put in a bigger one but then I'll have poop in the water, but I guess that's better than losing toes. They just don't like the tub because it's a strange environment.

Lucy
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Lucy
www.smalldragons.com

Keep the humidity higher all the time and you wont run intothese problems, If that isnt working what i do for stubborn sheds with my PTS is set the shower up so the water comeing out is around 80 degrees and put the skinks in tha bath with the shower running for a good 45 minutes then liturally remove the old sheds by hand slowly and carfully. After that long in the shower it should come off easily. Then keep the humidity up so it doesnt happen again. Good luck.

Devon

OK, thanks!
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Lucy
www.smalldragons.com