Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This year I got into Lacertas keeping 3 different types. They normally go into a hard hibernation at cold temps. Normally I let my chucks go into brumation in the cages and give them the opportunity to bask. The Lacertas are differnt where they will go into a hard hibernation. I was wondering how you guys set up the little enclosure boxes that you put them in to go into the refridge? Substrate, humidity etc.. Thanks in advance. Tom

I have used the Plastic Sterlite shoeboxes in the past, and have had good results. I have lost one collared, and one large desert spiny lizard. The collared was a new wc lizard.

I do not use substrates with this. If you look at most shoeboxes, you will see there is depressions in each of the four corners...I simply put a bit of water in each of the four corners. I have seen some lizards start to get dehydrated, so it may be helpful to put in one semi-damp papertowel. I had one lizard come out of brumation with a lethal upper respiratory infection. I went a bit heavy on the moisture more than likely.

It is not uncommon to lose some lizards this way...it's not guaranteed 100%. I have been pretty lucky, and only lost one or two collareds in the last 5 years. I like the lack of substrate for a couple reasons. It's easier to monitor the lizards, and stays cleaner. I know Will uses some damp sand. I may try that this year after finding out. I'm sure just a tiny bit of water is all that is need to keep them from dehyrating.

I try to maintain 45-50 F, but I've heard of people going down to 40. I try to open the door to the small refrigerator once daily, or every other day. This has worked for me in the past. I think the first year, I hibernated my lizards for 2 full months, not including the 2 week preparatino (gut clearing) etc.

I need some input on the chucks from you! This is my first year for them...any help on them is appreciated. You keep dried food in there or something. I think I remember you mentioning something about this a few years ago.

Thanks,

John e.

I do it the hard way since my wife doesn't like all the lizards in the refrigerator. I fill a cooler(50qt) with several inches of moist sand and put in some flat rocks that they can get under.
I rotate blue ice twice a day to keep temps in the 50's. If the temps are cool enough I only rotate the blue ice once a day. I use 2 to 3 blue ices per cooler. What ever it take to keep temps in 50s. The lizards will move around alot and be ticked off if it's in the upper 50's to low 60's. They seem to sleep if it's in the lower 50's. It's a pain to mess with twice a day but it does work.