Bearded dragons have evolved to live in some pretty tough conditions.
They are required to adapt quickly to changes in temperature and moisture levels in order to survive. To do this, they rely on periodic shedding of both their skin and ears – an adaptation known as cyclic molting or cyclical sloughing.
During this process, the old layers of skin (and sometimes even the outermost layer of the ears are replaced by new ones more suited for coping with environmental stressors.
But why does it matter if our pet lizards shed their ears?
Well, ear shedding can help bearded dragons adjust better to changing temperatures and humidity levels but it can also give us valuable insight into our reptilian friends’ health.
For example, regular ear shedding can indicate good overall health while abnormal amounts might suggest underlying infections or illnesses that should be addressed as soon as possible.
So let’s dive deeper into what exactly goes on during beard dragon ear sheds!
The Ears As A Sensory Organ
The ears of a bearded dragon are an incredible sensory organ.
The sensitive ears of bearded dragons pick up on every single movement around them – even when they seem to be sleeping, they’re still aware of what’s happening in their environment. From chirps and rustles to squeaks and hums; these dragons can detect every vibration.
Their ears help them to identify predators or prey nearby, as well as navigate new environments with ease.
As such, it’s no surprise that a healthy ear is essential for any reptilian species’ survival!
Shedding helps remove dead skin cells which may have built up over time, giving way to healthier ones beneath. So when you see your beloved pet shaking its head back and forth passionately during shedding season, know that it’s doing its body good!
Bearded Dragon Ears And Hearing
Bearded dragons are able to hear low frequencies better than humans and high-frequency sounds much worse.
They are also able to pick up air movement vibrations that allow them to detect predators nearby.
As such, it is important for owners to keep noise levels down around their pet beardie so as not to frighten or stress them out unnecessarily.
Bearded dragon ear shedding occurs when old skin accumulates over time and needs to be removed for healthy hearing and overall well-being.
Here’s what you need to know about this process:
- The ear shed typically begins with a thin layer of wax coming off before progressing into thicker layers until all the old skin has been removed.
- Ear cleaning should only be done once the outermost layer of skin has come off completely; otherwise, there can be damage done to the delicate inner ear structures.
- Owners should always ensure that water used during cleaning is lukewarm – never hot or cold – as extreme temperatures can cause discomfort or injury.
Therefore, providing your dragon with a safe environment free of loud noises and taking care of its ears will help ensure healthy hearing throughout its life!
Shedding Process In Bearded Dragons
The shedding process of a bearded dragon is like that of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon; it’s an exciting journey!
It begins with the beardie’s skin turning dull and pale. This signals to us that they are about to shed their old skin, which will be replaced by new layers beneath.
As the shedding progresses, we can see pieces of their dry outer layer falling off in flakes and clumps. The entire body may look mottled or patchy as some of the scales remain attached while others have already been released.
Next, our little dragons start rubbing against rocks or objects in their enclosure to help loosen these stubborn patches still clinging on. This activity stimulates blood circulation and helps them rid themselves of those last bits easily without causing any harm to the delicate new skin underneath.
To finish this remarkable transformation, they drink lots of water – hydrating every inch of their bodies so that they feel comfortable in their brand-new selves again.
Bearded dragons go through this cycle approximately once every three weeks throughout the year but more frequently during warmer months when they become active outdoors.
So, keep an eye out for signs that your pet may be getting ready to shed – you never know what colorful surprises await!
Reasons For Ear Shedding In Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons often experience ear shedding, which can be alarming to new owners.
Generally speaking, it’s nothing to worry about as it’s a normal part of their growth and development process.
The most common reason for bearded dragon ear shedding is that they are growing too quickly.
During their first year, young dragons grow rapidly and need to shed periodically to accommodate their larger size. Shedding also helps them rid themselves of parasites and other debris that may have accumulated on their skin over time.
Bearded dragons tend to become easily stressed so if there has been a sudden change in temperature, humidity levels, lighting schedule, food sources, etc., these could all potentially trigger the desire to shed more frequently than usual.
In addition, a lack of Vitamin A can lead to excessive shedding as well as poor nutrition.
So, making sure your bearded dragon is getting proper care and nutrition will help keep it healthy and happy!
Signs Of Ear Shedding
When a bearded dragon begins to shed its ears, it can be like watching the pages of an old book slowly peel away. The process is slow and methodical, but also beautiful in its own way.
The first sign that your pet reptile may be about to shed its ears will usually come in the form of them becoming increasingly restless or agitated.
In order to shed the tight skin around their ear holes, they may scratch more than usual on the sides of their faces or rub against objects they would not usually touch.
Your bearded dragon might start to slough off flaky pieces of dry skin around and on its head – this is usually an indication that most of the shedding has been completed.
Be sure to check for any bits which have remained attached after the main shedding period has ended; if left unchecked, these patches could quickly become infected leading to further health issues down the line.
How To Clean Or Remove Bearded Dragon Ear Shed?
Once you have identified the signs of ear shedding in your bearded dragon, it’s important to know how to clean or remove their shed. The process for this is actually quite simple and requires only a few steps.
Here’s what you need to do:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gently brush away any remaining pieces of skin around the beardie’s ears using a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab. This will help loosen up any remaining pieces that may be stuck there. |
| 2 | Get a shallow bowl filled with warm water and submerge your bearded dragon’s head in it for no more than 10 seconds at a time. Do not leave them submerged any longer as this can cause irritation or infection. |
| 3 | Use tweezers if needed to gently pull off any remaining pieces of shed from around their ears, taking care not to tug too hard as this can damage the new layer of skin beneath. Be sure to check both sides of each ear carefully! |
| 4 | Rinse off with cold water after all visible pieces are removed and pat dry with a clean cloth before returning your beardie back into its enclosure. Make sure they don’t get chilled – use lukewarm water instead if necessary! |
Handling And Stress Impact On-Ear Shedding
Shedding of the ear flap is a common occurrence in these reptiles.
I’m here to tell you that your little buddy’s behavior plays an important role in keeping their delicate skin healthy and happy.
There are several ways handling or stress can affect the shedding of the ear flaps. Here are some things to consider:
- Handling: Too much handling can cause physical irritation which may lead to more frequent shedding. Be sure to provide ample time for rest after each session with your pet
- Stress: High levels of environmental stress, like too much noise or activity near the tank, could trigger increased shedding. Providing plenty of hiding spots and dark areas within the enclosure will help reduce overall stress levels
Treatment For Problematic Ear Shedding
When a bearded dragon’s ear shedding becomes problematic, there are some treatments that can be undertaken.
First and foremost is to make sure the enclosure is kept clean. This means changing the substrate regularly so it doesn’t become too damp or dusty. Also, regular misting of the enclosure should be done in order to keep humidity levels at an appropriate level for the beardies.
The second thing you should do is, keep temperatures within their optimal range (between 80 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit) will help reduce stress on your bearded dragon which could contribute to excessive ear shedding.
Finally, providing a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and leafy greens as well as calcium supplements will ensure they remain healthy and this may help reduce any skin issues like ear shedding caused by nutritional deficiencies.
Taking these steps should help keep your beardie’s ears from excessively shedding more than normal.
Conclusion
It may be a surprise to many, but bearded dragons can actually shed their ears!
A fun fact about beardies and ear sheds is that the number of times they shed in one year depends on how old they are. For instance, baby dragons typically shed around five times each year whereas adult bearded dragons might only shed three times a year.
Although ear shedding is generally normal for these reptiles and does not usually lead to any health complications, it’s still important to keep an eye out for signs of excessive shedding or other issues.
If you ever notice any oddity related to your dragon’s ear sheds such as frequent or ongoing shedding, then consult a veterinarian immediately.
With some simple steps like reducing stress levels and providing adequate nutrition, you can ensure that your reptile’s ears stay healthy and happy all year round!
