Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am wondering why all the care sheets talk
of hibernation temps in the 40s and 50s when the eastern
collared lizards come from areas where winter temps
drop to below freezing?

Any thoughts?

Thank you,

Brian

simple as that. Even though the temps drop below freezing, that does not freeze them into the ground. They have to get deep enough, or rely on their surrounding area of choice to maintain enough temps to keep their bodies from freezing.

I've found that temps in the low to mid 40's is just fine. I can keep them in for four months, and not enough see much weight drop at all. You may be able to get a bit cooler, but I would rather favor the warm side.

John Eddington

...pre-trip inspect my schoolbus in - 20 o weather!

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

KITKAT

Before I got my collared lizards, I was reading care sheets on them, and it seemed to me that my basement in the winter time will be in the temperature range recommended, but not nearly as low as 40 degrees.

Is it okay if the temperature fluctuates from upper 40's to upper 50's ??
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1.3 Collared Lizards
90 Gal Aquarium
Minneapolis, MN

I would opt to only hibernate (brumate) them for for less time. I would monitor their weight (visually) and base my judgment on that. By all means though...brumation is definately not fool proof. Conditions can be perfect, and lizards sometimes die...it happens to all of us. I lost one female Aquaflame this year in brumation.

John Eddington

When I was considering getting a desert lizard, my cold basement was a concern. On the other hand, as this thread started out, some of these species have territory in fairly cold areas.

When I read about Brumination, I felt like this was my way out if I just couldn't keep the tank warm enough in the winter... just give in!

I'll play it by ear.

I'm sure there will be posts and posts about the subject, and people with ix-pery-ints will be able to give some guidance then....

THanks!!!
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1.3 Collared Lizards
90 Gal Aquarium
Minneapolis, MN

temp maxes out at about 69 degrees during the Spring/Summer. I only use basking lights for a heat source, no under tank heaters, or hot rocks...lizards do great. I personally believe the nighttime cool down is beneficial.

John Eddington

I hibernated one male and two females this winther at 60-65 degrees. I did that for 12 weeks and they were fine when they woke up. So it is possible to hibernate even though you can't provide the optimal (low) temperatures. Both females have given me hatchlings this year, so I think that the hiberntaion went well.
Jesper