Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm sorry to have to ask these questions AGAIN, but I can't remember all the steps to brumating. I can get most of my information from Eve's site but if anyone has any other tips PLEASE post them. And some questions does how long you leave the lights on during the day affect them? I checked the temp in my fridge and its 38, I could probable bump it up into the 40's is that too cold? Is there anything that shouldn't be in the fridge with the lizards peppers, onions anything? I know the last one was probably a little much, but ya never know what might be bad for them. If they don't go into hibranation naturaly do I just put them in the box in the fridge? Besides the turning off the lights and fasting them is there any other brumation preps? I was planning on mid October to early/mid January, Is there ant problems with that?

Thanks,
Morgan

I try to keep them in the dark, as it is my personal oppinion that darkness plays a role in the brumation process.

I gradually reduce the lighting in my tanks from 16 hours a day down to 12 for a few weeks prior. The first week the lights are off, I have so subsequent heat. If you have a basement, keep them in there with no heat for a couple weeks prior to putting them in the 38-40 temps. I would try to get closer to 50 if it were me, but thats just personal preference. Keep some sort of moisture in there too, like an open bowl of water. Keep very litte with the lizards. If need be, you can warm them up and give them water.

I try to never put them straight into a fridge at very cool temps. In fact, last year, I hibernated all my collareds at approx 65 for nearly 4 months...in their tanks. Just shut off the lights and the heat.

John