beardies first brumation?

[definitions]

Hey guy's I have a beardie that is acting like he wants to go through his first brumation. He's 6 mos old about 17 inches long and 380 grams. He is big enough but, I don't think old enough. He is showing all the signs not eating, only going to the basking spot if I put him there. I had a fecal done on him cuz I thought there might be something wrong. came back negative. So looks like he wants to brumate at an early age. He is big enough I know that. So question is how do I start the Brumation process?

 

[AHBD]

If he is healthy as you say, just let him do what his body tells him. Some will sleep off+ on for a little while, others for months. Since he is young, he'll probably do the on+ off thing. Keep the basking light on at the farthest spot from where he is sleeping, you can reduce it to 10-11 hrs. a day. Let him decide, and just keep checking on him and have a small dish of water on the cool side of the tank. If he goes "in and out" of his chosen spot, offer a bit of food....sometimes they eat, sometimes not. You can also hydrate by means of a bath [ if it will drink, but don't wake him up just to do this, only if he is awake already ] That is speaking for a young dragon or one that's not in full brumation. A healthy mature dragon in full sleep mode does not need to be awakened for anything, lights can be turned off, maybe on once or twice a week to just check on them from time to time....I don't let mine sleep more than 3 months usually.

 

[definitions]

so I don't need to make sure everything is out of his system as far as food goes? I was told to stick him in a tub and place him in a room that was dark and stayed at room temperature.

 

[AHBD]

You actually can do that....but....many people would be horrified at the thought of it, if it was recommended in a public forum, and you could get negative feedback. At any rate, you must keep an eye on such a young one, I don't like them to brumate before 1 year of age, and so I rather let them stay in the enclosure with a small bowl of water until they are ready for the " real" brumation when they are older. My house is cool in winter, so I forget that others need to place dragon on the floor to get the coolest temps., as you may need to do.