Shedding = Grumpy!

[kac]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on my first Veiled Chameleon, Stella.

Stella started her shed the other day and she is still shaking off a few pieces. The shed seemed to have gone fine, but her mood during the shed changed from happy and social to grumpy and hissy. I can imagine that losing a layer of skin would be uncomfortable, but I just want to know if anyone else experiences this?

Still a little grumpy today as she has some skin left on her foot that she is trying to shake off...

 

[Darc777]

My male panther gets the same way when he sheds. He goes from kind of his norm (a little anti-social, but friendly enough when handled) to opening his mouth like he'll bite if you come anywhere near him. He gets outstandingly grumpy when he sheds.

 

[ReptileLove18]

a lot of chams are grumpy when going through shedding the piece thats left on her foot, does it appear to be wrapped around the foot like it could cut off any circulation? its important to watch for bits of shed on toes and tip of tail that could cut of circulation. if shes having a hard time getting it off you could put her in a warm shower, we can tell you how to do it if you never have before or you would put a little mineral oil on a q-tip and rub it on her foot to help her work it off

 

[mrfixit01]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on my first Veiled Chameleon, Stella.

Stella started her shed the other day and she is still shaking off a few pieces. The shed seemed to have gone fine, but her mood during the shed changed from happy and social to grumpy and hissy. I can imagine that losing a layer of skin would be uncomfortable, but I just want to know if anyone else experiences this?

Still a little grumpy today as she has some skin left on her foot that she is trying to shake off...

I think just about everyone on here will agree that they do get a little touchy when shedding. Mine quits eating almost completely for about a week during his sheds and he doesn't even like me picking off the loose pieces, even though he seems to feel better after I do. A little warm spray on your chamy might help the mood some what and help with the shed too! Welcome and good luck.

 

[ReptileLove18]

oh and Welcome to the forum!!!! glad to have you here!!
look forward to getting to know you and Stella
would love to see some pics of her once shes done shedding and is happy again

 

[mrfixit01]

My male panther gets the same way when he sheds. He goes from kind of his norm (a little anti-social, but friendly enough when handled) to opening his mouth like he'll bite if you come anywhere near him. He gets outstandingly grumpy when he sheds.

All very normal sounding. Opening their mouths is called "gapping". It is a form of self defense for them. Usually if you move very slowly towards them they will eventually stop doing that. (Although I've heard of some never stopping and always being aggressive!) If I don't handle or touch my Rambo at least once a week he starts to revert to that original behavior.

 

[kac]

Thank you everyone for your help and warm welcome!

The piece of skin on her foot doesn't appear to be wrapped around and has loosened more since the original post. The shed just started on Thursday so I will keep an eye on it and see if I need to help her out with a cham shower or the q-tip with oil (would an almond oil be okay?).

And speaking of pictures, Stella seems to pose for pics normally, but when I went to take one of her shedding she hid behind her basking branch! I think I have a vain chameleon... I'll get some pics up in the right thread soon though.