Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I saw your recent post about waking up/hibernating. I think my blue has just started to hibernate (my first time), but I was worried a few days ago since he hasn't eaten much or came out as often, so I woke him up. Anyway, I started to think he's hibernating so I left some food out for him just in case (which he hasn't touched in a few days, so definitely hibernating). I should probably know more about it, but what exactly happens during hibernation? It's not that cold here - will his body "suspend"? Do they live off the fat stored in their tail and how long do they usually sleep for? He has heat sources but he is obviously sensing some kind of change. I'm just worried about him and I miss him too I hope getting him up the other day didn't hurt him too bad - his body was cold to the touch. He's choosing to hibernate, he can warm up if he wants).

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-reptilian9

my female tegu hibernates---i will offer food and heat until she doesn't surface anymore (make sure cypress mulch is deep--at least a foot)then i will shut everything off.during first hibernation i was very nervous--i dug her up several times (ice cold and lethargic)but everything went well.she was down for about 2 months-brian

My female B&W tegu was very thin before she hibernated because I was waking her up. After not seeing her for awhile I turned off the lights so it was cooler in there (about 70). I had read they hibernate for 5 months so I turned the lights back on after 5 months (80ish temp). She came out shortly after that looking just a little thinner. Most of the weight she lost was from when I was waking her up (when she wanted to hibernate).

I also have had many questions about hibernation because when I got my little guy in December from Agama, he was already in hibernation. I have dug him up several times to check if he is ok. Sometimes he'll just open a sleepy eye and then I'll cover him up and he goes back to sleep. Sometimes he will come dashing out and be wide awake. Is there even a need to check on him? I live in Louisville KY and it is very cold here right now, but the days are starting to get longer and longer. I have always kept his cage lit during the day and heated 24/7. The temp gradient is 85-95 with a basking spot at 120. Of course I am very anxious to get to know him and I cannot wait until he wakes up! Given my location and the data I have stated, does anyone have any estimates as to when he will emerge?

When my tegus were hibernating I didn't wake them up at all and they didn't come out either. When she first wanted to hibernate I would wake her up daily and she would come out, bask, lay around for awhile etc.. that's why I didn't realize she wanted to hibernate. The main issue there was that she wouldn't eat because her body was telling her it was time to hibernate. I know it's tough to leave them be because you want to see them. One thing you might want to consider is that when you wake him up he'll start using more of his fat reserves. Also I think a warmer temperature might cause them to loose weight even if they're in a deep hibernation.