Why is my lizard biting its tail? Is it normal or a problem?

It's possible Basil may be a little stressed, or may even have some irritation on the skin such as an infection or parasite. Checking to make sure her environment is the right temperature and humidity as well as enriching is a good first step. If everything looks OK but the behavior continues, having your local exotics vet take a look is best to rule out any skin infections.

It isn't normal. If you can see bone, have Dash seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If no bone is exposed, keep the site clean and dry. You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to gently clean it daily. Use plain paper, tile or slate on the cage bottom to prevent substrate particles from contaminating the wound. If he continues to bite ornchew at his tail, have him seen by your veterinarian.

At that age, he's exploring and figuring things out and just having fun! With an older dog, I'd be worried about it being more of an obsessive compulsive disorder if it was very frequent or hard to distract him from, but it's normal behavior for a baby.

They do shed their skin occasionally, usually in pieces. This may be what you are seeing. If looks more dull these past couple days, it could be the beginning of a shed cycle. Monitor for lethargy or decreased appetite. Soak or mist him daily to aid shedding. If he doesn't shed, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Other possible explanations would be infection or injury. These would need a physical exam to confirm.

Have him examined by an experienced herp vet to diagnose medical causes (mites, infection, neurologic disorder, etc.). Confirm proper environmental parameters. Survey the area around his enclosure for negative stimuli such as loud noises/vibrations or bright lights. Reduce or remove any negative stimuli if possible. Soak him in warm water to remove any residual prey odor.

Thanks for reaching out about Gummy. Not sure of biting the tail is normal, especially if chewing to the point of removing part of the tail. Itching or irritation are most likely. Test and correct water quality including pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. These can be dermal irritants. Bacterial or parasitic concerns, spinal problems (scoliosis due to vitamin C deficiency) are also common and a veterinary visit would be needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

This could be behavioral, but he could also have a neurological problem or infection of the viol's gland on the tail. He will need a veterinary exam to rule out medical problem first. If there aren't any you can then address the behavioral issue. You should, in any case, keep him from reaching and biting his tail and thus avoid self-mutilation.