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I know Morpheous is hibernating. Hes getting big, about 18 inches now (big for ME at least lol). Well hes been sleeping under his orchid bark right now, for about 3-4 days straight. In the beginning (a while ago) i was extremely worried that he would starve, and i woke him up a few times, then i realized what he was trying to do, and havnt touched him since. Hes so young - is it safe for him to hibernate? I geuss, i dont really care if he does or not, more power to him. But - a few questions - Wont he get hungry, or thirsty,? I know in beardies their brumation they just go into a slumber, but right now he just worries me because i cant check on him without disturbing him, im just afriad ill find him dead :0 ! And also - will he still remember his handlings i have been giving him? What would happen if i DO get him out to check on him like once a week or every other week?
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Mine arrived in hibernation, so I've never been there during the first parts, but I did check around to see how to prepare in case he went under this year. Here is a good list of things to do to ensure a safe hibernations:

1) For the first 3-4 weeks, leave all the heat and lights on, and still provide water; it may be coming out for very short periods to bask and digest everything in the gut so his stomach will be 100% empty during hibernation; if you try to hibernate them without allowing them to completely empty their stomachs, they can die from the food wrotting
2) If you do see them out basking during this time, you can offer food, but don't be surprised if they don't eat
3) DON'T dig them up to check on them. Even if he is young, as long as he was eating well prior to hibernating he'll be just fine without food and water for the entire hibernation. Remember my last post? If you wake them up during hibernation, they warm up, use stored energy that doesn't get replaced, and they will wither away, so don't do it.
4) Leave water in their the entire hibernation cycle; they may come out to drink and go right back.

Resist the urge man! About the handling, I don't know again as mine arrived in hibernation, but I would assume they would wake up in the same temperment they went under.
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-Bill

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