When are you suppose to start brumating? My beardie is 8 months old, at what age do you start? Is it something I do, or is it something the dragon does naturally. I'm really confused?!?!? Can someone please help me out?
Thanks In Advance,
Khandof
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When and How Do You KNow When You Start Brumating?!?!?!?!?
khandof
Mar 02, 2004 06:23 PM
Replies (5)
rujonesin
Mar 02, 2004 06:35 PM
Brumation can really occur at anytime of the year if you can place the dragon in the proper temperature environment. At 8 months I would spend the next 8-9 months in warm environments and concentrate on putting size on your animal. There is no real need for it to go into brumation until it is ready to breed. When temps start to cool in Oct or Nov., depending on where you are, then consider letting the temps drop into the low 70's at night and low 80's during the day. Slowly shorten the light to 6-8 hours each day with longer nights. Make sure it has access to fresh water. after 6-8 weeks you can start increasing the light and temps back to normal. If you search the internet for "Breeding bearded dragons" it will give you plenty of information on brumation.
khandof
Mar 02, 2004 06:39 PM
I don't plan on breeding my dragons so is brumation still necessary?
Khandof
rujonesin
Mar 02, 2004 06:43 PM
Personally I don't think it is a must. If you are not going to breed then just maintain constant temps and light throughout the year and let your dragon live in it's own little eutopia world. If it decides it needs to go into brumation it will let you know through it's actions and you can adjust accordingly.
khandof
Mar 02, 2004 06:49 PM
What type of natural action's should I be looking for?
rujonesin
Mar 02, 2004 06:58 PM
Provide your dragon with a hide. If it starts spending it's days hidden and it's appetite is diminished then it could be ready for brumation. There are other factors to consider. This behavior could also indicate illness, so you have to be aware of your temps etc. If you just maintain the constant temps of low 80's on one side to a basking spot around 100 and upper 70's at night with 12 hour days I don't expect your dragom will start to go into brumation. Do a search on "breeding bearded dragons" on the internet to find plenty of information on brumation and their behavior.
Mike
