Cham eatting deshedded skin and chewing unshed skin off???

[KatiLemons]

So my cham must be SUPER strange because yesterday I noticed that he was gonna be shedding. I have been pretty busy with my moms auction so when I got home late last night cleaning up shed skin was from from my to do list!! I woke up at 7:20 this mornin and I found Levi chewing a big wad of shed skin like it was bubble gum?? Is this normal or is my little (big) guy just a freak? I love him anyhow!! Then once he swallowed it he turned and started chewing on his tail that still needs to shed? I have been on the forums for about 9/10 months now and have NEVER heard of this! Can it cause impaction or will it break down ok? Anything i should be worried about?

 

[Fool2Think]

I just googled it and found an article that says:
"It is not unusual to see a chameleon eat the dead skin they out-grow, once it has been shed off." So, I think it might be ok.

 

[Bernie]

I've read on here a few times about peoples Cham's eating their shed skin. Seems to be quite common.

 

[meleondollars]

Mine does it once in a while. Its gross, for sure. Always makes me think of Austin Powers. Save me from myself. lol. Anyways, from what I have read it is normal and some will say it actually provides some kind of nutrition. (cant give you any sources on that though.)
I do not know about biting its tail though in anticipation of the shed. That seems unique.

 

[tress29]

Our leopard gecko eats hers...

Theresa in Indy

 

[Olimpia]

No, the skin is harmless. Absolutely nothing to worry about. And many reptiles eat their shed skin, it's sometimes an instinct to destroy essentially a bread crumb trail to them in the wild.

Now, about the chewing.... I don't know. Keep an eye on that, although it's probably harmless.

 

[Elizadolots]

Yeah, I would watch the tail chewing. If that continues it might be a concern. However, eating the shed is normal. As Olimpia says, it's a good protective thing to do. Nothing says "hey, there's a lizard around here" like a bunch of shed lizard skin.

 

[KatiLemons]

Hey guys, I wanted to update. I got home late tonight and checked on him. He is completely done shedding. I really appreciate all the replys. I wasnt to worried about it but just thought I would ask! He is such a quarky little (big) guy!!