That being said, geckos consume their own shed, which may startle new gecko owners or, to be honest, anyone who has never had a lizard chilling in their home. Yes, you heard correctly. They’re eating it like a snack one moment, and then they’re peeling off their old skin the next. Why, therefore, do geckos consume their shed? At first, that sounds really awful, doesn’t it? However, it turns out that this strange behavior actually has some very clever explanations. Even when it seems a little odd to us humans, Mother Nature truly understands what she’s doing. Let’s investigate this riddle of shed eating and discover the true nature of our small reptilian companions. It’s more useful than repulsive.
First Things First: What Even Is Shedding?
Let’s briefly discuss what shedding is before we address the important subject of why geckos consume their shed. As they mature, geckos, like all reptiles, occasionally lose their skin. They just discard the old “suit,” revealing the gleaming new skin underneath, rather than expanding into a larger one. It’s similar to changing clothing, but more biological.
Due to their rapid growth, younger geckos shed far more frequently than older ones—sometimes once per week or two. According to their species and overall health, adults may shed less frequently, perhaps once a month or so. Before a shed, they typically appear somewhat drab or gray, but afterward, they quickly return to their colorful selves.
So… Why Do Geckos Eat Their Shed? Let’s Break It Down.
Now to the main question. Why do geckos eat their shed? Well, there’s not just one answer—there’s a few, and they actually make a lot of sense.
1. Nutrient Recycling
Consider it similar to leftovers. The gecko may still use the proteins and nutrients found in shed skin. They don’t want to waste anything because food isn’t always readily available in the wild. Geckos are simply being efficient little recyclers by consuming their own shed. It resembles zero waste in nature. You have to honor that.
2. Avoiding Predators
This one is less about nutrition and more about survival. Geckos must be concerned about being sniffed out by predators in the wild. Unwanted attention can be drawn to leftover skin, particularly by animals that use scent to locate their food. Geckos thus hide their traces by consuming the evidence. It’s similar to licking your plate clean to hide your presence. Clever, huh?
3. Territorial Behavior
Geckos can be very private. Kind of private—”don’t touch my stuff.” Conflicts with other geckos can be avoided by eating their shed, which eliminates any indication of their presence. This is particularly prevalent in environments with little resources or in animals that are more territorial.
4. It’s Just Instinct
To be honest, a lot of gecko activity is instinctual. Eating their shed is ingrained in their tiny reptile minds; they don’t just decide to do it for health or stealth. Therefore, even pet geckos who lead comfortable lives free from predators and food shortages continue to do so.
Is It Safe for Geckos to Eat Their Shed?
Absolutely. It’s actually quite common. There is no reason to be concerned if your gecko consumes its shed. In actuality, it indicates that they are in good health and behaving normally. If they weren’t doing it at all, you might want to check their surroundings to make sure everything is alright. Poor shedding, often known as “stuck shed,” might occasionally indicate low humidity or other problems.
Don’t try to prevent them from eating it, though. While it may seem strange to you, it is entirely acceptable to them. Let them be the lizards that they are.
When to Be Concerned
While eating shed is totally fine, not shedding properly can be a problem. If you see patches of old skin stuck around the toes, tail, or eyes, it can lead to health issues. You might need to increase humidity or help them out with a warm soak. Some people make a “humid hide” to help their geckos shed easier—basically just a moist little cave where they can hang out and loosen that skin.
Also, if your gecko seems to be shedding way too often, or not at all, that might signal something’s off with their diet or habitat. Keep an eye out, and if something feels wrong, a reptile vet is your best bet.
Do All Geckos Eat Their Shed?
Most do, but not all. Some pet geckos might not bother, especially if they’re well-fed and have no real need to recycle nutrients. And that’s okay too! It doesn’t mean anything’s wrong. Like people, geckos have their own little personalities. Some are tidy and eat it up, others just leave it and move on.
If your gecko doesn’t eat their shed, just remove it from the enclosure so it doesn’t get moldy or messy. Easy fix.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Weirdness
What makes geckos consume their shed, then? In a nutshell, it’s nature taking its course. Your gecko is behaving quite normally, whether it’s for food, cover, territory, or just instinct. To them, it is simply a part of their daily routine, but to us, it may look disgusting.
To be honest, seeing all these unusual behaviors up close is one of the best things about owning a reptile. It serves as a reminder of the diversity and fascination of animal existence. Therefore, don’t be alarmed the next time you see your gecko nibbling down on its own skin. For being such a clever little survivalist, give them a mental high five.
