Beardie_Guy Posted March 26, 2009 Report Share Posted March 26, 2009 Im a bit nervous, My beardie seems to have gone into brumation. He didnt do this last year so i dont know what to do or if he's eaten enough etc... His eating slowed down a lot a couple of weeks ago and he kept hiding in his cave, I thought he just liked his new cave and was hiding so I kept taking the cave off. He was fine and lively. Then with the weather getting colder outside I figured maybe hes trying to go to sleep so I have left him ever since. He has been in there for 4 days now and I do the heating as usual. His eyes are still open tho. He didnt come out for food or water when I put it into his enclosure. I dont know if hes going to be hydrated enough or anything. To be honest I just want to take his cave off an make him lie under the heat lamp because Im too nervous about losing him but I know this is mean and unnatural. Will he just wonder out if he gets hungry or what? Do i need to make it darker for him? can i interupt him now or will this be hazarous. He is in a noisy area and perhaps i should move him to his quiet cage at home? I feel so stupid has anyone else had a beardie go down to sleep and if so for how long and what do you do? Does he still need UV? Come on guys 100 people have viewed this and no replies... i feel bad enough its just not worth the risk.. someone must have some advice before its too late for ma lil guy Any help or advice is very much appreciated thanks. Lloyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westmike Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 Hello, What species of dragon do you have? barbata or viticeps? I pressume it is outside? Dragons outside are beginning to slow and feed less. Captive diets should be decreased as not every day has optimal temps for feeding. Very soon feeding wont be required. Outdoor housing over winter for viticeps isnt reccommended due to moisture levels , viticeps prefer low humidity. High humidity and low temps can cause skin and respiratory infections . barbata can be wintered outside in the north of the north island, otherwise may be best to house indoors now and winter. Artificial heating that dosnt improve the ambient temp(eg. basking lamp) is of little use and animals allowed to brumate should be given a gradual decrease and increase in temps that the weather provides. Provide adequate shelter to protect from the elements . Many aust. dragons in New Zealand continue to bask on the best days of winter. hope this is of interest/helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldogod Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 My 1 year old beardie(inside) has been in his cave for 2 weeks now, first time Ive had one brumate, Ive turned his lights out and just left heater on. My other one is still out and about.Id also be keen to hear from others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 My 3 year old male has been sleeping up large behind a bit of drift wood for 3 days but came out yesterday for a brief visit then went back to his possy. Female is as active as ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 only just seen this post dont worry beardies do what they do, mine are indoors but still brumate randomly thoughout the year. one went into brumation befroe xmas only came out about 4week ago - full of lif e again eating like a horse. another 2 fems went into there hidey box's about 2-3 weeks ago and been alseep since (ive turned off the lights) so hopefully they stay put for a couple more months. Brumations a good thing part of there natural cycle, theyre amazing how they can just stay put for a couple or 3 months and then one day out they come ready to get on with life Good for breeding to theyre full of beans after a good sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldogod Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 Mine went into brumation end of march and today he was out and about, feeding and basking. Do they have more than one brumation? Not even cold weather yet? Maybe hes just out for a feed? What are others doing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.