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Questions tagged [molting]

The natural skin or feather loss process of many animals and the means to cope with it.

Molting (or moulting) tag is used to describe the natural loss of skin, scales, feathers, or shells from reptiles, birds, and insects as part of their general life-cycle. Questions tagged molting may include asking why and when this occurs, and how to cope with situations.

Losing fur and hair for most mammals is more commonly referred to as "shedding" (somewhat synonymous with molting) and are handled under the tag.

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How can I help hermit crabs survive their first molt?

I have tried to keep hermit crabs as pets at various times in my life, and each time the poor things have died during their first molting process. I know that they are incredibly vulnerable during this time - what can I do to help them get through…
user53
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My leopard gecko sometimes has trouble shedding. How can I help?

Sometimes, when my gecko sheds, not all of the skin comes off and I find flaky white patches left behind. I know you shouldn't pull at them to help them come off, so what should you do instead?
starsplusplus
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Can I help a pet snake through the molting process?

My friend's pet snake is starting to molt and since this is (the owner's) first experience through a molting, he is concerned. We know to apply some humidity to help, but are there other techniques that would aid the process, or other things we…
JoshDM
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My praying mantis pet is not eating and has 2 black lines on it's abdomen

There are 2 new black lines on my mantis's abdomen, which seems to be contracting. Almost like it's squeezing it. What is it? I don't think it used to have that. Secondly, it's also not eating, and simply ignoring the crickets that waltz past…
nubela
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Is it safe to feed my pet lizard a molting cricket?

I have bought a number of feeder crickets, several of which are in stages of molting. Is it safe to feed a cricket mid-molting to a pet lizard? Should I discard the molted husk left behind, or is it safe to try and feed it to my lizard as well?
JoshDM
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My praying mantis won’t molt? It’s been 3 months?

My praying mantis hasn’t molted in three months. She’s only molted twice in her life. The second time she molted she molded wrong and her front hands got stuck in skin so she can’t grab food. So I’ve been hand feeding her cat food (I read online…
Leandra
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Use glycerin to help your gecko shed?

Can you use glycerin to help your gecko shed? I've used it on a burmese python that had not shed the caps on his eyes for quite sometime. And it helped tremendously. Do you think it would be just as safe?
Jenny
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When my leopard gecko sheds he can't see, is that okay?

When Rocky, my leopard gecko, sheds it seems like the last thing to come off is the skin on his face, head, and eyes. It looks like he can't see at all! Is this okay?
jenna
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Mantis leg hurt during molt, will it heal?

My kid got a young mantis -- I believe from the Tamolanica genus -- which just had a difficult molt. One leg was stuck in the exuvia for a few hours. After finally separating, it's clear that the mantis isn't able to use that leg for much. Does…
Kyle Markley
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My snake has started shedding, but seems unwilling/unable to finish

I have a juvenile corn snake. This is her second shed with me so far, and the first went very easily. This time, however, she seems to be unwilling or unable to fully work her skin off. On Thursday night I first noticed that she'd begun to shed, and…
user11881
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My leopard gecko needs help shedding, but won't let me handle her

I've had this certain leopard gecko for about two months now and she was brought to me from a friend who neglected her. Her vivarium didn't allow her to shed properly and is missing some toes. She's just sheded for the first time with me. It's been…
Charley
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Leopard gecko's toe looks blackish purple

My son's leopard gecko's toe doesn't look good. We thought it may have turned purple because of shedding. We've tried soaking it. Nothing seems to be working. Its toenail looks a bit black too. Does anyone know what is going on here?
Melis
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Is my home temp endangering hermit crabs

I have 3 hermit crabs (5 months). Two of my crabs buried themselves 1 month ago and there is no dead smell. Our home is kept 69 degrees day and 67 night. How do I know my crabs are not dying a slow painful death and not molting? I really worry about…
user6189
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How long should I wait until I help my crested gecko shed?

I am a new crested gecko owner and this is his first shed with me. It seems like all of his shed is off other than on his toes, but it’s only been about 30 minutes since he shed the rest. I know how to remove the shed, but I don’t know how long I…
Sally BIRD
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What could these spots on my bearded dragon's nose be?

I noticed a few days ago that my bearded dragon has a couple spots on her nose and mouth area. I thought that it was dirt but it didn't wash off. Has anyone got any ideas what it could be?
Connie Green
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