Start of brumation

[kimmyk]

So how early can brumation start? I have a juvie who has never brumated before, but she is beginning to show some signs. Still healthy looking and loving her baths, but has become lazy and decided she only wants to eat once or twice a week. No weight loss or anything like that, just seems really lazy

 

[Beardednoob]

Can you give an approximate age of your dragon?

 

[kimmyk]

I got her in March so she is approx 7 mos old

 

[Carnivorouszoo]

Thats pretty young to be brumating. Mojo is 7 months old and is still active and acting like Starvin' Marvin. I think I would have a vet take a look to be safe.

Can you tell us about the beardie's setup?

 

[Beardednoob]

I got her in March so she is approx 7 mos old

How long was she when you got her? She should be a bit older then 7 months.
She may be just slowing down. We get so used to our babies eating like pigs. When it comes time for them to slow their eating it can come as a shock.
Have you had her fecal tested for parasites/worms?
How long is she and how much does she weigh?

 

[kimmyk]

She is free of parasites. She weighs about 8.5 oz and is 13.5" long with a tail nip. She is in a 4ft X 18" aquarium with paper towels for a substrate. She has a brand new 18" ReptiSun UV bulb and a 45 watt basking light with a temp of between 100-115. I don't think there is any problem with her health, I was just wondering how early they began brumation. I can't remember her exact hatch date, but she couldn't be any older than 8 mos. Maybe she is simply beginning to become a typically lazy beardie

 

[Carnivorouszoo]

Is she still eating really good? It doesn't sound to me like she's quite right for her age. . .how long since she last shed?

 

[JenFid]

It depends on the dragon but it can start as early as August for some. My 1 year old is starting his first brumation cycle now...but I would have to agree 7 months is pretty young, more likely she is just slowing down (mine did this at 5 months for a couple months before he picked back up again).

 

[kimmyk]

Is she still eating really good? It doesn't sound to me like she's quite right for her age. . .how long since she last shed?

I'm not sure what you mean by "not right." Her size seems good to me, she is plump and healthy looking. She has a large tail nip if you are referring to her length and she has quintupled in weight since we got her in March. Her last shed was around a month ago. I am checking her weight regularly to ensure she is not losing weight. She is not sluggish and she basks and lays under her UV light as usual. Her eyes are bright and her attitude hasn't changed. I think it's probably like some of the others have said and she is just slowing down.

 

[Carnivorouszoo]

Not right is the fact that she is only eating once maybe twice a WEEK. It just sounds like something is wrong. Perhaps she is bored with the feeders you are offering. Something "wrong" does not necessarily mean sick, just off or not usual. How old is your UVB, perhaps you need a new one and her reluctance to eat is a sign?

 

[kimmyk]

Just put the UV light in about 3 weeks ago. It is a ReptiSun 10.0 tube. From what I hear on here, they are the best.

 

[Carnivorouszoo]

Ok but you need to figure out what's going on because eating once maybe twice a week is not good or normal for a 7 month old.

 

[BeardedDragon6]

Once or Twice a week? for a 7mo. old beardie? there is probably something wrong with it. your dragon should eat more than once or twice a week. they still need the proteins to grow and all.

i guess shes probably bored from the feeders you give her. try out some small locusts. (nymphs or whatever theyr called) or waxworms. maybe hornworms. (theyr big and all but very soft and juicy)

 

[kimmyk]

Well the mysterious cause of Elsie's lack of appetite is...a shed Her head is in shed, so I figure she'll be coming around and regaining her appetite as soon as she finishes her shed. Thanks for all of the help

 

[citrusowner7]

Although she may be showing signs of brumation it may be the change in appetite earlier discussed in this forum... i dont believe that it is a good idea to brumate her at 8.5 ounces. as you may already know brumation is a sort of rest after breeding season and given the circumstances i dont believe she needs it yet.

Sincerely, Kevin (citrusowner7)