Shedding

[Sandra]

Hello

So I don't panic when it happens, could somebody give me an idea of what to expect if my fire belly newts start to shed; things like does it happen all in one go and if not roughly how long does it last?

Cheers

Sandra

 

[Mark]

Dark animals such as Cynops will often appear lighter in colour just before they shed, probably because the skin starts to lift. Once the skin loosens the newt will normally pull the majority off using it’s mouth. How fast this takes place really depends on the individual newt’s abilities. More often than not you'll just spot a newt with a face full of translucent skin. Shedding behaviour also includes rubbing against objects. Don’t be alarmed when the skin is eaten (fights will break out over shed skin); think of it as recycling nutrients .