When to stop offering food? Change lights? Brumation stuff.

[Mirrorakay]

Zeke is going into his first brumation, which has me all sorts of worried. I've read the article on brumation, but still have a few quick questions.

When do I stop offering food? Zeke has been off food completely for the last week and half, had a final poo within two days of the last time he ate, and is now napping on and off all day. He never comes out of his hiding spot anymore. I have been offering his usual daily salad, but with no interest, I'm wondering if it is fine if I stop offering it everyday.

How many baths does Zeke need? In the article it said to bathe them once a week for 20-30 minutes. In the past Zeke has been getting three baths per week and has never drank water from any source. Should I go ahead and cut down the number of baths? Will he stay hydrated enough?

When do I turn down his lights? Or do I?

Does Zeke need a different hide for brumation? His cave has a pretty large opening. He is nestled as far back as he can get, but it seems like a decent amount of light is still making it in not only from his tank lights but from a window in the room. I've noticed on cloudy days he seems to sleep a little more soundly than the sunny ones. Does that mean my hide isn't sufficient? What would make a good hide for brumation?

 

[PumpkinJelly]

When do I stop offering food? Zeke has been off food completely for the last week and half, had a final poo within two days of the last time he ate, and is now napping on and off all day. quote]

You shouldn't stop offering food. You say Zeke has been waking up from his naps and then going back to sleep for short periods of time. Beardie's who have these types of Brumation qualities will sometimes eat when they wake up. I personally would do his daily salad everyday, even if he isn't eating it. Of course, you don't want to be wasting your salad, as money doesn't grow on trees (well, technically it does but nevermind that, lol!) So I would cut the portions in half so that you wont be wasting so much salad items so fast!

How many baths does Zeke need?

You should bathe him at least once a week. Once a week is plenty, since they have reserves of fat and water to live off of for the few months they're sleeping. When you do give him a bath, make sure you keep an eye on him and make sure his head stays above water (some will not wake up during baths and can easily drown if you don't hold their head up)

When do I turn down his lights? Or do I?

You should keep his lights on even if he's in brumation. It's better for him to be in a warm, cozy state rather than be cold, even if he can tolerate the cold. If you'd like, you can shorten the hours that the lights or on by a few hours, to mimic the shorter days during the colder months/save energy. If you decide to not shorten the hours, you can just follow the normal schedule as if he were awake and shut them off as if it were bedtime for him.

Does Zeke need a different hide for brumation?

They liked to be tucked back and beyond the reach of his viv's lighting. If you think there's too much light going in there, you can get a bigger hide or make one yourself. A small cardboard box with a hole cut in the side for him to exit/enter easily is just as good as a fancy rock hide. If he sleeps better when there's no light getting inside, then sure, switch out the hides if you have the money and or time. But if you can't, it's totally fine, it's not going to endanger his health, it's just for the comfort factor.


I hope this helps you!

 

[Mirrorakay]

Thank you very much. That was extremely helpful!

 

[PumpkinJelly]

Thank you very much. That was extremely helpful!

No problem :lol: If you have anymore questions just comment back on this thread, since I'm already subscribed to this post :wink: Happy Brumation, Zeke!