brumation again

[pogvitt]

From what I've read, you should wake them up every few days to give the a soak. This is because in the wild they burrow underground where the soil is fairly moist, which prevents then from dehydrating too quickly. Since they can't do this in captivity, their owners need to find other ways of keeping them hydrated.

 

[AHBD]

Actually, in true brumation they do not take in food or fluids, they sleep right through for the most part. This is when temps. are kept below 70. Mine sleep straight for at least 2-3 months every year with no waking, and have done so for 16-17 years. I think if the dragons are " partially" brumating, you may check to see if they are awake, and offer some water. This probably happens in homes where the temps. stay above the high 60's. As far as the soil being moist when the brumate in the wild, it is no more moist than any dirt a few feet down anywhere....too much moisture would then cause respiratory infection, so their dens would be dry, not moist. Their body is designed to shut down and sleep.

 

[lauraj1055]

Actually, in true brumation they do not take in food or fluids, they sleep right through for the most part. This is when temps. are kept below 70. Mine sleep straight for at least 2-3 months every year with no waking, and have done so for 16-17 years. I think if the dragons are " partially" brumating, you may check to see if they are awake, and offer some water. This probably happens in homes where the temps. stay above the high 60's. As far as the soil being moist when the brumate in the wild, it is no more moist than any dirt a few feet down anywhere....too much moisture would then cause respiratory infection, so their dens would be dry, not moist. Their body is designed to shut down and sleep.

Agreed! A sleeping dragon should be left alone... as long as they are healthy enough (have enough weight on them, and are hydrated) they will be fine.. You must also make sure that they take their last poop too!

 

[AHBD]

Yes, like Laura mentioned , a healthy weight on a healthy dragon is important for pre - brumation conditions. If the dragons are 9-10 months and big dragons, 16+ inches, and good weight, not too skinny, they should be fine. Some dragons are small for their age, like 12-13" at 9 months, I would keep an eye on these from going in to a true brumation by keeping the lights/ temps. as they normally are for summer, and keep offering [ but not forcing ] food and water. Another thing to consider is that a dragon kept in a house where the temps. don't go below 70 may have a higher metabolism and continue to have their sleep/ awake episodes and these probably should be offered water if they have their eyes open and become active at all. The cooler temps. between 60-70 [ day and night] are generally when the dragons really sleep hard and don't need to be bothered.

 

[AHBD]

If that comes out to 10-11 inches [ I think ?] then yes, they are too small. Just keep feeding them as much as you can and offering them water as usual.

 

[AHBD]

Your temps. are way too cold, that may be why they are going dormant [ sleepy] Is your hottest spot 30 C ? The hot spot should be about 37 C [ I'm thinking that's 100 -105, but you can check for sure, just Google it] and the cool side should be about 28-29 celcius [ or 78 - 84 degrees] If the temps. are too low, they will not eat or grow, and will develop health problems like calcium deficiency, possible respiratory infections, and others, as well as stunted growth.