Geckos shed their skin regularly as part of their growth and health maintenance. The frequency of shedding varies by species, age, and individual factors:
- Leopard Geckos: Young or juvenile leopard geckos shed more frequently, about every 1 to 2 weeks due to rapid growth. Adults typically shed every 4 to 8 weeks, roughly once a month
. Some adult leopard geckos may shed as often as every 2 to 2.5 weeks, which could indicate a health issue
- Crested Geckos: Baby crested geckos can shed multiple times per week in their first months, slowing to once every 2 to 4 weeks as they grow. Adults generally shed about once a month, with increased frequency possibly signaling parasites or infections
Shedding is a natural process called ecdysis, where the gecko's old skin loosens and is replaced by new skin. Geckos often eat their shed skin to reclaim nutrients and avoid attracting predators
. In summary, geckos shed more frequently when young-weekly or biweekly-and less often as adults, usually about once a month.
