Shedding Dragon - His mom needs some insite!?

Question

My baby dragon is shedding and he looks pretty uncomfortable. I spray him 4-5 times a day to keep his skin moist and I also give him a 15 minute soak in his little tub. I've read that you shouldn't help pull off the skin 'cause it may cause harm to the new scales, but I also read that if not attended to, they could lose toes and even their tail if they have a bad shed! =O How long should I wait before I help his little toes lose their skin?

Oh, and by the way. I have a gimpy-toed dragon. One of his toes curls up backwards and I've heard that can happen while he's developing in his egg. Would that be sensative to touch (like hurt him) or is it alright to touch his toes? I want to help get all that icky skin off so he's back to his normal self. =/

Answer 1

Dragons live in the desert.

They're used to hot, dry environments.

Try letting him dry out for a few days.

This is a natural process.  Help is not needed, or even a good idea.

Just leave him be.

You'd know if his toe hurt him.  Broken bones and/or injuries like that really hurt.  He'd let you know.  I think it's fine.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are doing a good job misting and soaking him.  Just be patient and that skin will come off just fine.  Definitely don't pull it off...that can damage the scales underneath.  It can take several days or so to completely shed.  

The toe may have formed that way or was broken at one time.  It's hard to tell whether it is painful or not...they don't like having their feet touched!  

Good sites:

http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.co...

http://www.bio.miami.edu/ktosney/file/BD...