Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 Dragons, both about 10 months old. They were both very healthy and happy until the blackout (I live a few minutes from NYC). When the blackout ocurred, they both laid down at the bottom of the cage probably assuming it was sleep time. I have them in my upstairs room and the temp never went below 85 degrees, but it was at that temp for about 24 hours before I got power back. I immediately got the temps back to about 110 and let them bask for a few hours before attempting to feed. I gave them plenty of fresh freens and a bunch of crickets. Although the one ate a bunch of crickets, he still stayed at the bottom of the cage mostly. When I awoke the next day, he was still at the bottom when I turned the lights on. As the day progressed, I noticed he was staying there, very lethargic. He has been like this for 3 days almost and is now barely opening his eyes. I put him in for a warm bath and he immediately went to the bathroom, and lots! After a long soak I returned him to the cage but haven't seen any improvement. The other Dragon seems perfectly fine.

I always dust their crickets and wash their veggies thoroughly. Their setup is a 75 gallon, 110 on the basking side and about 90 on the cooler side. I have a fluorescent bulb as well.

I
m afraid he isn't going to make it. Anyone have any suggestions on what to look for, what else I can do for him?

Thanks, Jim

Im not sure but i think he is going through brumation

It does sound like brumation, the cool end is a little warm it should be around 80F-85F. But I wouldn't worry about that too much, he may be sick but it does sound like brumation so don't worry unless it gets worse.
Matt

Thanks, Homer & Matt, I appreciate such quick responses.

Although I've heard of brumation, I don't know much about it. I've yet to see my Dragons go into that stage. I hope thats all it is.

Is it normal for them to not eat really during this stage?

Thanks again!

During brumation bearded dragons begin to eat less and sleep most of the time until winters over.

i hope that helps

I think he's doing what most adult dragons do when the shorter day starts and the temps get cooler, they think winter is coming and it causes a physical and mental change in them.

Below is a URL link to Dr Kathryn Tosney's site about brumation, by several breeders, owners and their experiences with first time brumation.

If you want to try and pep him back up, try a brighter light intensity for several hours a days(not heat), its the dimness in light that starts the cycle within them. He should come back around. Although there are dragons that do brumate at 10 months and show no problem except for slowing down growing, trying to hold them off til the majority of their growth is over IMO gives the the chance to develop to their full size and heartiness.

sorry, forgot the Link
kathryn tosney's dragon care site

I have a question, I was reading all about brumation although none of my three dragons have ever gone through it. I know how important it is that they get calcium so when they are going through a brumation period and they are not eating very often do you increase the calcium?

they are not growing, eating and rarely drinking. We had one girl that slept for 5 months, she dropped a few grams, but put it back on in a few days.

Its like a bear in hybernation, they dod not need any food intake and their normal body functions cease but a very slow heartbeat and respiration