Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've heard people on here talk about semi-brumation. My Zilla is about 16 months old. He just wants to lie flat under his branch. He doesn't want crickets, which is NOT like him. My only question is...his eyes will be open and he will watch me. I'm misting him. My other guy is in full brumation, sleeping away...but Zilla's eyes being open when I'm around worries me. I can get a fecal, but those have been clear before. Would this be semi-brumation?

Maleea

When beardies brumate they may not go to 'sleep' totally. Last year our male had his eyes closed 'most' of the 3 months he was down...3 months! It was his first brumation and we were pretty scared.

This year the same male is brumating with his eyes mostly open during daylight hours. Occasionally he will move around his cage to a more 'comfy' spot but he eats almost nothing--we offer food/water to him on days he moves around.

This is the first winter we have had our female. She is 4 years old and is not going through a 'traditional' brumation BUT she has sure slowed down as she normally is quite a piggy.

Brumation makes even the best owners a little anxious. As long as the beardie looks healthy (fat pads) and hydrated all should be well. When in doubt a fecal is always a good way to check on things. Beardies have been doing this for a LONG time!

DM

Thank you. I feel better. I guess I figured it was brumation, but this is his first one and I worry.

Maleea