Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I hope that some of the more knowledgeable and experienced BTS aficionados can provide some feedback for myself and perhaps others who may have this concern. I have a pair of approximately 7 month old intermedia (the picture was taken today) and I had started their cooling cycle for this year around the end of November. However, I became apprehensive about the process due to their age and size and lost my nerve. So as of right now, their temps and feeding are back to the normal routine. I should mention that they are on a reduced photoperiod though. I guess I'm just worried about this first winter brumation period. Should they be cooled their first year since it obviously serves no breeding purpose for animals this young? What do you guys do? I would have no such concerns if they were full grown adults, of course. I also realize that in wild conditions, nature doesn't care how old they are when winter comes. I am just wondering if I should subject them to "lean time" this first winter or continue to "feed 'em and heat 'em" until next winter. What do the rest of you skink folks think?

I would suggest spending this year feeding them everyday, and generally getting them fat and healthy. They're still babies! Spend some time developing them into adults before attemping to breed.