Another thread about brumation

[usmcfamily]

Okay, I think we may be heading into brumation.

Spencer doesn't eat, doesn't bask, lazes and sleeps allllll day in his shady spot (he doesn't have a true hide or cave because he was trying to bromate too young), and doesn't seem to have any interest in life.

Tank is 31x18 (we've been looking to upgrade but will need to move it and don't have space elsewhere right now, temps are 104 basking, 81-83 in the shade side, not sure of nighttime temps as I haven't checked them in quite some time, uvb bulb is an Arcadia one that was recommended here and it's probably 4-6ish months old? His body is definitely cold to touch. He weighs 400something (sorry, haven't weighed him in a few weeks) and is about 20" in length. He's 14 months old.

He's fed collards daily with some fruit a few times a week (usually raspberries because he loves them) and salad is sprinkled with calcium. Some days I think he doesn't touch it but he may be sneaking bits while ok not there. He's fed supers and dubia powdered about 5 days a week but doesn't eat anymore (hasn't for a while).

If he's brumating, please help me know how to handle it...

Lights, keep as normal or adjust?
Still offer salad daily or stop feeding?
How often do I disturb him to take out and bathe/weigh?
Should I put a hide in his tank or let him be? Currently his restring place of choice is to be half up his tree trunk lol.

Anything else I need to know before I back off and let him do his thing? It's hard to not worry but I know it's all normal.

Thanks for input.

 

[CooperDragon]

I would keep a close eye on his weight. If that is stable then I'd let him be for the most part. Offer him some water and weight him every few days. Put a salad out in case he wants it but he may just wind up being sleepy and sluggish for a while. Keep your lights the same. He will slow down and hide/sleep on his own. There is more info about what to look for here https://www.beardeddragon.org/articles/brumation/

 

[usmcfamily]

Thanks for responding. It's scary to just let him be, I just worry that he'll die or something I'll read the info you linked.

 

[kingofnobbys]

None of my pet lizards (dragons and skinks) have ever shown any indication of wanting to brumate, my oldest was nearly 8 years old (Wriggles) , George and Mildred (BTS) are about 5 years old and Rex is nearly 4 years old.

That said <<< Advice I've been given regarding brumation

if they are under 12 months they probably shouldn't brumate as they don't have the reserves to survive months without a feed.So up the heat a little (heat mat/cord or CHE) I don't change the timer.
If they are over 12 months then slowly reduce the hours the lights are on about the end of April/ beginning of May by about 10% till you get to an 8 hour day and the heat lamps to 4-5 hours,once they start to sleep cut back again and by the middle of winter you should be able to turn everything off till September and then do it all in reverse.
Also cut back on their food as you cut back on the light/heat. Do not feed them as they approach brumation(the last couple of weeks).If they are in full brumation DO NOT feed them as it will rot in their guts.Leave water out during brumation but no food unless you notice them out quite often and if you feed them leave lights on as they cannot digest without heat

Brumation in a captive reptile is optional, they can do fine without ever brumating. It's my understanding it's is only adviseable to induce annual brumation in reptiles if you intend to breed them (I think the claim is it improves breeding performance).

 

[Karenxx67]

Thanks for responding. It's scary to just let him be, I just worry that he'll die or something I'll read the info you linked.

Im goin through the same thing and its sooo scsry to just let them be.
Worst thing is it can last for a long time. Im sooo worried.

 

[kingofnobbys]

Thanks for responding. It's scary to just let him be, I just worry that he'll die or something I'll read the info you linked.

Im goin through the same thing and its sooo scsry to just let them be.
Worst thing is it can last for a long time. Im sooo worried.

Since he's under 12 months old, it's not adviseable to allow him to brumate in his first winter.
Advise I was given by experience beardie breeder was

if they are under 12 months they probably shouldn't brumate as they don't have the reserves to survive months without a feed.So up the heat a little (heat mat/cord or CHE) I don't change the timer.

 

[usmcfamily]

Well he's up today, shocking. I checked on his after the kids left for school and his head was up and peering over the log at the door. I went in and he waddled over to the basking spot. There's some dubia in there for him if he wants to eat and I'll set a salad out before I leave.

Smart or no? I can bathe him later today too. I'm just so happy to see him up and around!