Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My frog has never, from what I know, hibernated. If it has been under the substrate with only it's eys stiking out I've been trying to feed him/her anyway. But it usually comes out after a while. If my frg decides to hibernate what should I think about, except for keeping the substrate moist?

Thanks In Advance
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CokeOfMan

Well, what kind of anuran is it? The exact species, plus the subspecies? Most anurans from the south do not need extensive hibernation. If you have a wood frog, northern leopard frog, toad, etc, then consider it. Hibernation is a difficult process. Its best done outside so the frog can do it itself.

Its difficult to tell when your frog wants to hibernate. The only true way you can tell if you have been "cycling" the animal. They should stop eating.

Basically, you have a timer on your aquarium. Set the photoperiod at 14 hours a day in the summer and 8 hours a day in the winter. Make sure its cooler in the winter, you may want to move him / her tank to the basement or in a cool garage for a few weeks. Do not feed. That is the best I can tell you. You can also let it go if you have a garden pond outside.

pitcherplant7

Np
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CokeOfMan

From what I know most fogs arn't obligatory estivators but enter hibernation when temperature drops or water or food becomes scarce. If you frog has never skipped a meal, the tank is 78 deg or higher and water is constantly available it may never hibernate.

My bullfrog would hibernate by completely burying himself, so that you could not see any exposed skin. This was true hibernation, and he did it from autumn until the following spring, when he emerged. Sounds like your frog is just brumating (I believe yours is a horned frog?) They do that to either cool off, because conditions are drier than normal, or just to wait and ambush prey.
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2.1 Python regis, 1.0 Boa Constrictor Imperator, and the frogs.