shedding

[ded dex]

I have a breeding size female leo who is having problems shedding. She has been shedding for 2 days and has not pulled off any of her skin, This is her first problem with shedding. I recently put a male leo in with her to breed, this is the only change in habitat. She has access to a humid hide but she wont use it. I have 2 in the tank, one for each leo. Would it be safe to pull the skin off for her? could this be stress related from the new leo?

[silent_truth]

Hi, are there any coarse objects or pointed objects in the tank that would enable her to rub against to slide part of the shed off? Continue to provide the humid hidespots, that's good. Is the skin just barely sitting on her body? If so, you might try and break part of it very very gently to help her out a bit. If it's only pale but still stuck on pretty well, don't pull at it. You could also try putting her in a rubbermaid with moist paper towels on the bottom with a couple branches and / or rocks for her to rub against.
I hope this helps some.

-Adam

[Ixidor]

Well, I would pull out the male and then soak her in warm water for 15 minutes Gently massage the skin with like a Q-tip even better if you can put a little baby oil on the tip. Repeat till the skin comes off, thats how I always do it at least

[ded dex]

the skin is very loose, she has a half log with rough bark on the outside to rub on, If I soak her how would I do that?

[Tim and Julie B]

Personally I don't see the point in soaking any animal unless they have shed and there is skin left on small parts like toes. Just try placing her in a container (like a sandwich box or deli cup) lined with damp paper towel. Keep her in a warm spot *85 or so for about two hours then place her back in her cage and let her remove the skin. If she is still having trouble after this then gently tear a small hole in the loose skin on her back or the back of her neck only. She'll do the rest:D
Julie

[geckomom]

Originally posted by Tim and Julie B
Just try placing her in a container (like a sandwich box or deli cup) lined with damp paper towel. Keep her in a warm spot *85 or so for about two hours then place her back in her cage and let her remove the skin. If she is still having trouble after this then gently tear a small hole in the loose skin on her back or the back of her neck only. She'll do the rest:D
Julie

I've read this advice here before, and used it in the same type of situation you've got - worked perfectly for me! :)