Hey Rob,

I suppose everyone has their own thoughts and ways on brumation. I myself do things... my way,,, as well. I never brumate in extremely low temps as some who keep the temps in the mid 40's. I brumate on the higher end in the high 50's low 60's

Have never measured humidty in all the years I have done this. I use sterlite tubs, small for a few occupants, larger for groups. I line the bottom with paper towels. Then put in 1 or 2 hides/caves so everyone has a place and is cozy. Usually there is a small shallow bowl or plastic lid such as a washed peanut butter lid, thick washable plastic, these make great dishes :0) and I do fill with water and keep it in the tub during brumation, incase someone wakes a wants a drink.
But.... I also do check on everyone at least every couple to few days, make sure no one knocked water over or is sleeping it it or if the water is empty.

I do not like brumation and never am "REAL" comfortable while they are in it so I must admit on being a bit over cautious. I wake everyone once a week and offer a few drips of warmish water to those who may be thirsty and were sleeping. Some will drink readily, others do not, but I DO OFFER to all.

Now as far as whats TOO THIN, Well I think that is obvious, a collared who may have not been eating well, looks to have no fat reserves in tail, may apprear boney in the hip area. You can visually see these guys and make a call. Now some of us may have collareds that are smaller framed, never get hefty are more streamlined, if they eat well, and are strong/ firm/ active and all around were in good shape, with no problems all season then by all means brumate.
Again my opinion is I never brumate the young under 8 months, ( I let them have that first winter to grow and thrive) Never brumate a gravid female or one that has just had eggs/ and not be up to snuff... she needs time to recooperate and extra calcium at this point. Never brumate any that have been sick/ or in weakened condition or dehydrated..... problem eaters.... anything that may have been a problem during the season and left them not in tip top shape... DON'T BRUMATE.

** And last if I see that any are having a hard time in brumation, like after a couple weeks and they are still up .. look to be really fighting it... I take out, as these are the ones that usually do not make it if you leave them.

Anybody that looks to be losing weight or just looks bad I take out and return to tank as well,,,, lights back on. Try again next year. This is why you don't just put them somewhere and forget them for a few months,,,,, I check up as I said often, allows you to see who may be in trouble, or if all are fine.

Thats about it. Oh before brumation I leave the heat on for about 10 days while stopping their food, so the gut empties.

Hope some of this may have helped. Like I say everyone has their own produres. I'm careful as I have lost a couple over the years, so I modified,,, and do it my way.


Sleepy Tykes

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Eve
Suncharmers Colorful Collareds & More

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