Reptile shedding (ecdysis) is a fundamental biological process that requires appropriate husbandry to prevent welfare problems including dysecdysis that causes pain and infection.
Dysecdysis is a welfare problem caused by husbandry failure rather than disease, making it entirely preventable with appropriate care. Incomplete sheds left on limbs and tails act as tourniquets that restrict blood flow, causing tissue death and loss of extremities. The pain and infection associated with stuck shed cause significant welfare compromise. Prevention requires maintaining species-appropriate humidity, providing rough surfaces for reptiles to rub against during shedding, and offering a humid hide with damp substrate. Recognising the pre-shed period through signs including dull colouration and opaque eye caps allows owners to proactively manage humidity and reduce dysecdysis risk.