Your Gecko Shedding: What You Need To Know!
🦎 Your Gecko Shedding: What You Need To Know!
If you own a gecko or you're considering getting one, you’ll quickly discover that shedding is a natural and essential part of your reptile’s life. But for new keepers, it can sometimes be confusing or even concerning. In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about gecko shedding — with a focus on Crested Geckos, Gargoyle Geckos, and other species we work with here at TikisGeckos, including Leachianus and Chahoua Geckos.
📌 Why Do Geckos Shed?
Like all reptiles, geckos shed their skin as they grow. Unlike mammals, which replace skin cells gradually, geckos shed their skin in large pieces or even all at once. Shedding allows them to grow, remove parasites, and maintain healthy, vibrant skin.
📊 How Often Do Geckos Shed?
Shedding frequency depends on the species, age, and growth rate of your gecko:
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Baby Geckos: Every 2–4 weeks
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Juveniles: Every 2–6 weeks
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Adults: Every 4–8 weeks or longer
For example, Crested Geckos and Gargoyle Geckos will shed more frequently when they’re young and gradually slow down as they mature. Leachianus and Chahoua Geckos tend to follow a similar pattern but may shed less often due to their slower growth rate.
⚠️ Signs Your Gecko Is About to Shed
Knowing the signs can help you monitor your gecko’s shedding cycle:
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Dull, faded, or whitish skin (milky appereance)
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Decreased activity or appetite
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Rubbing against enclosure décor or climbing surfaces
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More time spent in humid hides or on moist substrate
These behaviors are normal and typically last 24–48 hours before a shed.
Notice the dullness on this geckos head and body. It is very subtle but if you look closely, you can see the washed out color on the head and bottom half of the body. This is an animal that will be shedding within 24-48 hours.
Contrary to the above gecko, this female gargoyle gecko's skin is starting to seperate, notice the dullness on the body. This is an animal that will be shedding within 24 hours.
This Crested Gecko has already begun the shedding process by using its tongue to loosen the skin around its lips and nose. It will continue to work the old skin back with its tongue, gradually peeling it away. Like most geckos, it will eat the shed skin as it goes. This is a healthy animal that should complete its entire shed within about an hour.
🌿 How to Help Your Gecko Shed Properly
Most healthy geckos will shed on their own without issues, but here are a few tips to ensure a smooth process:
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Maintain Proper Humidity:
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Crested & Gargoyle Geckos: 60%–80% Mist the enclosure as needed and offer a moist hide for added humidity.
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Leachianus & Chahoua: 60%–80%
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Leopard Geckos: 50%–60% Add a moist hide for added humidity.
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Provide Rough Surfaces:
Branches, cork bark, and textured décor help geckos naturally remove old skin. -
Provide proper supplementation:
Shedding issues can also be linked to Vitamin A deficiency. Make sure your supplements are not old and store them in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life. If you feed Repashy, Pangea, Zoo Med diet plus a calcium & vitamin dust on your crickets you can easily avoid this issue. - Rehydrate from the inside out: Adding flavorless (clear) pedialyte to your geckos diet (1:10 part pedialyte to water) can help rehydrate them if they are needing help popping off a bad shed.
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Inspect for Stuck Shed:
Pay close attention to toes, tail tips, and around the eyes — these areas are prone to retaining old skin. Gently remove stuck shed with a damp cotton swab or by placing the gecko in a shallow humid container for a short period.
🧪 Common Shedding Issues
Occasionally, geckos may experience shedding problems (dysecdysis). Common causes include:
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Low humidity levels (10-40%)
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Improper diet or supplementation (expired/old supplements)
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Illness or stress (geckos being bullied will often display shedding issues)
These geckos are very proficient at shedding. Typically, you can have a gecko for many years before you see it shed. That is because they shed at night time when they are active. If you see a gecko going through a shed for more than 2 days, then there is typically an issue. If your gecko consistently has trouble shedding or develops retained skin that won’t come off, consult an experienced breeder or a reptile vet.
📝 Final Thoughts
Shedding is a normal and healthy part of your gecko’s life. By providing the right environment and keeping an eye out for signs of trouble, you’ll help your Crested Gecko, Gargoyle Gecko, or other New Caledonian species shed successfully.
At TikisGeckos, we’re passionate about educating keepers on proper reptile care. Whether you’re a first-time gecko owner or a seasoned keeper, understanding the shedding process is key to maintaining a happy, healthy gecko.
🔍 Looking for More Gecko Care Tips?
Check out our other care guides and videos, or browse our available geckos for sale — including some incredible rare morphs you won’t find anywhere else!
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