AboutDiane Expertise I am well versed in all aspects of the care and keeping of green iguanas, leopard geckos and bearded dragons. This includes all husbandry issues pertaining to the above species. I am not a vet so I cannot answer medical questions. I research other reptiles and am able to give general information on other species of lizards. I prefer not to answer snake questions as that I have not researched them enough.
Experience I own 3 green iguanas, two of which are rescues. I own two leopard geckos, both rescues. I've had my reptiles for 7 years. I spend many hours researching the care of my reptiles to keep up to date on all information pertaining to keeping reptiles that I have. I own a yahoo group dedicated to raising healthy iguanas.
Organizations Scales and Tails Exotic Pet Rescue (one of the founding members)
Publications One of the Co Authors of the Book "The Iguana Dens Care and Keeping of Giant Green Iguanas"
Question When I bought my Mountain Horned Dragon she loved to be held and was very social. She had trouble with her first shed and ever since then she seems to always be shedding, whether it be her tail one day, her head the next, or legs. No matter what everyday she is constantly shedding a part of her body. Her humidity and temperature aren't a problem. She seems very stressed and will hiss when approaching her. Do you have any idea what this might be? Or do you recommend taking her to a vet?
Answer Hi Katlin,
I'm guessing she is young. When they are young, they do shed more often. Shedding means growth... Do you have a pan of water that she is able to get into? This helps with shedding and is actually necessary for them.
Also, with the hissing, is this something that started recently? If she is young, and the hissing is new, then she may just be a silly juvenile that is trying to let you know that her cage is her territory and trying to be alpha over you. If this sounds like it might be what is happening, just continue to do what you have to go with her,(cage cleaning, holding, etc) and basically not let the hissing scare you. Do protect yourself in case she would decide to try to chase you away. Of course, if the above isn't what is happening in your case, then a vet check up is recommended to make sure she is not working on some health problem.
