Iguana Molting

Molting, the process of reconstruction of skin that goes on for life. Usually occurs at 4-6 weeks in the spring, at summer may be more frequent, while in winter and during the mating period  the intervals between moltings are longer. Molting frequency also depends on the age, speed of growth (young iguanas molt themselves frequently and faster than adult specimens, becausethey obviously grow faster), nutrition and health. Older, sexually mature iguanas are molting only few times a year.

Iguanas are, unlike snakes, molting in splits. We know that snakes “undress” the old skin in one part, while iguanas skin molts off in many more pieces.

Start of molting shows whitish coloration on the part of the body, which will be molting. Molting may take up to two weeks (until the entire surface of the skin is not left). Iguanas molt in captivity, it is more difficult than for wild iguanas - molting in the wild is hot, a lot of moisture and rain, many areas on where iguana can scratch and facilitate molt … it is very important to properly fix terrarium and that you maintain an optimal climate (heat, humidity).

When all skin of iguana is removed, take it away carefully! Remove the pieces of skin that is easily separated, but still left on iguana. Never drag the dead skin with force! Only if the skin is easily cut off, than you can remove it, put simply - pull it away, but if you must also use the minimum force then just don’t do it. Eventually the skin will come off itself, so there is no need to rush and potencially hurt your iguana!

Most legvani levijo easily and if you give enough attention to and carefully observe legvana during this period, even if the problems you are going to succeed in a timely manner and quickly resolved. Make sure that you will not be overlooked any old ring of skin around the fingers or the tail, and this caused problems legvanu (and myself)!