Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there any benefit to brumating baby hogs in their first winter instead of keeping them warm and well-fed ? Obviously it's more natural for them to hibernate than to feed all winter, and some herps (box turtles, e.g.) are thought to be better breeders down the line if they hibernate regularly growing up.
thanks,
Craig

I don't think there is any need to put any '03 snakes into brumation... some people breed their adults without ever putting them into a cooldown.

Maybe someone else has a differing opinion...
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-Ross Payan - www.LeosAnonymous.com

Leos Anonymous

Ball Pythons, Red Striped Leos, W.Hognose and Screaming AFT's

I'll be brumating all my Eastern hogs except for the few that are already eating scented and unscented pinks. I am just not satisfied with the wait of the toad eaters. Even though they are taking down 2 toad legs a week, my supply is running low. So brumating them would def be the healthiest and safest way for them to make it through the winter.......Scott Wahlberg

Depends on the species. Some people put down their easterns, some don't. If it doesn't have a good weight, don't even try. If it is a western or an eastern on mice, no reason too. Only reason I would is if you have a baby eastern only eating amphibs and they are hard to come by. But my guess since it is CB is that its western, in which case you wouldn't need to brumate. (remember some places never get cold enough for brumation either...here hogs can be found from feb-dec respectively). Andy
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Who are you who can say it's ok to live through me? Alice In Chains