Wants to brumate?

[ChrisKim1010047]

So it's been getting chilly here in Cali, and I'm wondering if my bearded dragon is telling me he wants to brumate. I always thought brumating was an optional thing but it seems like he's trying to do it on his own.

In the past few weeks, I've noticed his appetite significantly decrease, but without losing any weight. He doesn't take waxworms from my hand, even though those are his favorite. He's been a stable 485-495 grams for a while.

He's 1+ years old, not too sure, but older than one year.

He hasn't pooped in a few weeks, probably due to decreased appetite.

He's been staying in one spot all day for the past week or two. He walks around a bit when I take him out but automatically tries to find a dark place to crawl into even if it's only 1pm. Lights are one from 8am to 8pm.

Are these signs he wants to brumate or something else that is cause to worry about? Please let me know what you think and what I should do in regards to his potential brumation. Thank you guys!

 

[Claudiusx]

If he hasn't been losing weight it sounds like he's trying to brumate. Where in his enclosure is he spending his whole day, the cool side?

-Brandon

 

[ChrisKim1010047]

He'll go back and forth if that makes any sense. When I take him out and then put him back in, I try to put him in the middle of the tank, so he has a choice to go to either side. Sometimes he'll stay on the hot side, but usually he opts for the cool side.

 

[saraho]

I'm very interested to find out the answer to your question. Charlie has also had decreased appetite, seems to prefer the cool side of his tank and won't play when he's out of the tank. Always looking for a corner to curl up in. It sounds so much like your situation!

 

[KarrieRee]

As long as your lighting UVB is good NO coils and basking temps are good 95-110 taken w/ a digital probe thermometer its probably brumation -- lots of times we find out the UVB is inadequate and its the lighting causing the behavior- once the lighting is ruled out then we can say its brumation
Karrie

 

[ChrisKim1010047]

I have a 100 - 105°F basking spot, and a Reptisun T5 5.0 HO Tube light that is 6 - 8 inches away from his basking spot and about 14 inches off the floor. The past few days he's been in his half log. Today I pulled him out around 2:30 pm to let him walk around and give him some water. He's walking pretty sluggish and tried to crawl under my TV stand to sleep. So should I let him do his thing for the next few weeks and see what happens? Should I keep his lights on a cycle still? Let me know what you guys think!

 

[ChrisKim1010047]

I'm very interested to find out the answer to your question. Charlie has also had decreased appetite, seems to prefer the cool side of his tank and won't play when he's out of the tank. Always looking for a corner to curl up in. It sounds so much like your situation!

I hope you guys find out what to do with Charlie. These dragons are a mystery!

 

[ChrisKim1010047]

*Correction*
T5 10.0 HO UVB tube light

 

[KarrieRee]

Where is the T 5? top of screen or inside the tank ? this is very important
Karrie

 

[ChrisKim1010047]

Mounted on top.
The lid is not mesh though. It's the metal type that has diamond patterns throughout. They let more UVB pass through than mesh.

 

[ChrisKim1010047]

The fixture I have also has a reflector built in.

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok so make sure the basking decor piece is directly underneath and approx 8-10 inches-- if you need to make the change do so then watch his behavior and see what he does -- it does sound like hes trying to brumate does he have a hide? If not I would get him one and let him do his thing-- make sure hes hydrated if he does go into brumation -- if he comes out offer food and hydrate him -- keep track of his weight -- he should not brumate for more than 3 months -- some will semi brumate go into the hide sleep for 3 days or so then come out and bask they may or may not eat

 

[ChrisKim1010047]

He has a half log hide on his cool side and cave on his hot side.

 

[KarrieRee]

So I take it hes hanging out on the cool side alot ? As long as your lighting is up to par and basking temps not losing weight let him do his thing -- follow his lead