Brumating Beardie.

[SpikesMomma1956]

Hey guys. I’m a new member here. I have a 11 month old beardie who is going through his first brumation. He has a bath every other day as recommended by my vet, and has a bowel movement at that time. It has come down to me feeding him crickets by hand otherwise he doesn’t eat them. This is only since he’s been brumating. (He’s been checked out by the vet and is healthy). Last night, he didn’t eat anything at all. I’m trying not to be worried, but I’m concerned he’s going to lose weight.
Am I correct in thinking his appetite is doing what it normally does with brumation? I plan on calling the vet tomorrow just to double check.
Thanks in advance.

 

[CooperDragon]

Is he sleeping all day or is he just not as active as normal? Their metabolism slows when they are less active so the decline in appetite is normal. I would just let him do his thing. You can track his weight (and make a log) using a kitchen scale. It should remain relatively stable but he may lose a little which is OK. My guy is mostly sleeping all day so I leave him alone but take him out maybe once or twice a week to weigh him and offer him water by dripping it on his nose to lick up.

 

[SpikesMomma1956]

Yea. I may have spoke too soon. After I gave him his bath tonight and he had a small bowel movement, I held him for a while and he woke up a little more. He then ate about 15 Phoenix worms and 8 crickets. He then closed his eyes when I tried to offer him more...that’s his way of saying “I’m done”. Lol. So I feel much better now. I will weigh him again Wednesday. I try to do it weekly.
Thanks for the advice.