Mike,



When is the best time to start brumation? How long should i brumate last years hatchlings? All are feeding well but one. Should i do anything special to brumate this one picky eater?



Glad most of those critters are doing well for you. If you have no opposition to feeding the neonates all winter, I'd keep any that are still feeding up and active. The non-feeder should be brumated just like the adults.



Brumating of adults generally follows a standard protocol. Allow their "guts" to empty for ~2 weeks following the last feeding by keeping them on heat as you would with regular maintenance. Then, remove them from heat for an additional week, allowing them to sit at room temperature, with no access to a basking area. Next, begin the actually cooling period. I shoot for 2-4 months at 45-55 degrees F. Check on the animals weekly to assess their health and assure that they have access to clean water.



I’m not trying to step on markg’s toes here, but North American triangulum are NOT the same as the tropical forms (sinaloae, nelsoni, hondurensis, polyzona, etc.). They need to experience a full cool-down to successfully “re-set” their biological clocks. If not kept cool enough, they quickly lose condition by burning their energy reserves. Offering your nominate triangulum a basking area during cooling is not only unnatural (=unknown side effects), but also complicates the cooling process for you.



-Cole

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