Frequency: Juveniles shed more frequently — sometimes every 2–3 weeks. Adults slow to every 4–8 weeks. A gecko that hasn't shed in 10+ weeks may be experiencing a husbandry problem. Check temperatures and humidity first.
Shed phases
PHASE 1Pre-shed (1–2 weeks before)
What you'll see
- —Skin appears dull, grey, or milky
- —Eyes may cloud over ('blue' phase)
- —Reduced appetite — completely normal, do not force-feed
- —More time in the humid hide
- —Less active than usual
What to do
Check the humid hide is damp. Do not handle unless necessary. Ensure the warm side is at the correct temperature — shedding requires energy.
PHASE 2Active shed (hours to a day)
What you'll see
- —Gecko rubbing against rocks or hides
- —Visibly pulling at loose skin
- —Skin peeling in sections or as a full piece
- —May eat the shed skin immediately after — normal behaviour
What to do
Do not interfere. Do not peel skin off manually unless a retained piece is causing harm. Most geckos complete a full shed in under 24 hours.
PHASE 3Post-shed check
What you'll see
- —Bright, clean colouration
- —Clear eyes
- —All toes accounted for with no retained shed rings
What to do
Check every toe, both eye caps, and the tail tip within 24 hours of shed completion. These are the three common sites for retained shed. Normal appetite should return within 24–48 hours.
The humid hide
What to use
Sphagnum moss is the standard. Coconut fibre (coco coir) also works. Avoid peat moss — it's too acidic and can irritate skin. Paper towel dampened and changed every 2 days is a functional budget alternative.
How damp
Damp, not wet. Squeeze out excess water before placing in the hide. You want the moss to feel like a wrung-out sponge — humid air inside the hide, not standing water. Wet moss harbours bacteria and causes skin infections.
Where to put it
On the warm-to-middle zone. Cold + damp = respiratory infection risk. Warm + damp = effective humid microclimate for shedding. The hide should be enclosed with one entry hole.
When to refresh
Every 2–3 days during non-shed periods. Daily checks in the week before a shed. Replace the moss entirely every 2–4 weeks or when it starts to smell. Used moss can harbour mites.
Retained / stuck shed
Why it matters
Shed rings on toes cut off circulation. Even one missed shed ring can restrict blood flow — two or three shed layers cause permanent toe loss. Check every shed, every time.
How to fix it
Soak the gecko in a shallow warm bath (no deeper than ankle height) for 10–15 minutes. Gently roll a damp cotton bud across the affected toe. The skin should slide off. Never pull or force it.
Why it matters
Retained eye caps are immediately visible as a dull, grey film over the eye. Left untreated they cause eye infections, corneal damage, and blindness. Retained caps also happen in layers — you may not notice until several have accumulated.
How to fix it
Do not attempt to remove eye caps with tweezers or cotton buds on the eye surface. See a reptile vet. A warm damp cotton pad held gently over the eye for 2–3 minutes may loosen the cap — but eye caps are vet territory.
Why it matters
Retained shed on the tail tip constricts the tip and can cause it to die and fall off. Less urgent than toes or eyes, but still requires attention.
How to fix it
Warm soak for 15 minutes, then very gently roll the retained skin off using a damp cotton pad. The skin should slide rather than peel.
Why it matters
Shed skin around the nostrils can block airflow. Around the lips it can restrict the mouth. Uncommon but worth checking on every shed.
How to fix it
Warm soak and gentle removal with damp cotton bud. If the gecko is distressed, stop and try again later.
Root causes of problem sheds: Retained shed almost always means low humidity, incorrect temperatures, or not enough rough surfaces to rub against. Fix the humid hide first. Add cork bark or slate for texture. Never repeatedly force a gecko to soak if the enclosure conditions remain incorrect — you'll be treating the symptom forever.
What not to do: Do not pull or peel shed skin off a gecko. Do not soak a gecko in deep water. Do not leave a gecko alone for days around shed time without checking. Do not panic if they skip a meal — it's normal and will resolve within 48 hours of a successful shed.