Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I contacted my vet to get her opinion on the subject of Brumating (I was surprised more people did not give their 2 cents to my last post) and this is what she recommended.

As long as her color is good, she is staying hydrated, etc there should be no problems. Any food they eat during this period is digested slowly and is not processed as fast. This is the reason for her not passing any stools in a while. She recommends not feeding anything with hard carapaces such as mealworms etc. But to keep things such as babyfood and fresh green available. If she desires it a cricket or two should not hurt.

She explained to not have any food at all available during this time is bad, and so is no light whatsoever. Bearded dragons live in the desert, not Alaska or Antarctica where there is no light or greens during the winter months. Year around there are greens available for consumption and there is sunlight so they should be provided.

I am sure this is not what everyone would recommend and I would like to hear what others think about it, so post your thoughts here.

Shaon94

I leave a dish of water when brumating and that's it. No food, no light, no heat. Food can sit and rot in their bellies so I will usually cut it completely about 2-3 days before they go all the way down. Lights I slowly reduce over about a 1-2 week period, the same with heat (my house never gets below 70 even in the coolest parts and I brumate in a connecting closet between the adults room and the babies room so it stays a little warmer even).

Sean
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Heart Mountain Herps

feeding heavy meals isn't recommended. I would keep lights on for 10 hours a day and let the lower to about room temp. The basking light could be left off, or a lower watt bulb put in instead. For food I don't have it available every day but if I do see the dragon up and about, I offer some greens and some crickets or silkworms. Water can be offered as well.
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PHLdyPayne