Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Our Blue Belly adventure...

06/18/03
Wild caught Sceloporus Occidentalis...$$$$ for tank, lights, vitamins, crickets, etc. (some "free" lizard)...happy 8 year old though

07/05/03
Laid twelve eggs, didn't get them in time to incubate but tried with vermiculite, etc. anyway (who knew?)...sad 8 year old

08/01/03
MITES! What a mess...engorged ones look like poppie seeds...disgusted 8 year old and mom...sterilze & disinfect...what a chore......bye bye mites.

08-09/03
Lizard fat(ter) dumb, and happy...

09/30/03
Lizard "gone"...under mulch now three days...brumation, right?

QUESTIONS:
1) What about a full gut...very well fed until disappearing? What's the horror story here? Wake her up? Start over?
2) Tank's @ room temperature...just turn off lights and wait or move tank to basement @ approx. 55°F?
3) How long to brumate? How and when to wake her up?

Thanks in advance.

First, I'm not clear as to what type of set-up you provided for the swift regarding heating & lighting. If the lizard is brumating with a full stomach, it may not be a good idea as the stomach contents may ferment & possibly kill the lizard.

It's probably a good idea to take the lizard out of brumation by slowly elevating the temperatures & providing a longer light cycle. If you plan on brumating the swift, you should gradually taper off the food & slowly lower the temps. If you don't plan on brumation, you can provide a "summer" light (10-12 hrs. ON) & temperature cycle & keep the lizard active throughout autumn & winter. Brumation is not entirely necessary for most lizards unless it's done to encourage a breeding condition in the spring. http://www.uoregon.edu/~titus/herp/occidentalishistory.htm
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