How long for brumation?

[NekahRae]

My beardie, Norbert, brumated a bit on and off last year, but was usually active again after about a week...spoiled me started hoping that he wasn't one to brumate much.

He's now been unactive for around four weeks straight. He still seems healthy, from what I can tell, and occasionally opens his eyes to let me know he's ok, but that's about it. I know brumation is normal and am not too worried about him, but I certainly do miss him!

What's the longest your beardie has been inactive for? Is the length of inactivity related to age or does it just vary from dragon to dragon? Norbert is about three for those interested.

 

[AHBD]

Hi Nekae.....a lot of owners are missing their scaly friends during brumation. It does vary from beardie to beardie, so you can never tell for sure how long they'll be inactive. Some of mine have slept for 3 months [ in a cool basement, about 60-62 F] Others sleep on + off for about 2 months and that's it. Some owners dragons never really go in to brumation.

Have you offered water ? If he's half awake, tuck a wadded paper towel under his chin and drip water down his snout so he can have a drink every 7-10 days if he wants. It may take about 30 seconds or so before he realizes he is getting a drink. You can drip, stop, repeat to see if he'l drink. Many will do so.

 

[NekahRae]

I missed him when he was just sleeping for a week! One of the very first brumation articles I read started off with the author lamenting about missing her beardie! But in a few months he'll be pawing at his tank and asking to be let out to run around the apartment. (In search of females he won't find...)


I hadn't offered water, since I had been under the impression that they did not need to eat or drink during brumation, but today I purchased a pipett to more easily offer him some. Today he didn't want any, but I'll try again the next time he's at least half awake.

Thank you! This site has already been a great help!