Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Most people I have talked with have said its better not to brumate hatchling snappers their first year so they can get some weight on them and help them survive. I'm just wondering how important brumation is and if it is necessary at all. I would guess that if these turtles were ever released or had to live outside(in the future) it would help if they had brumated before. I know that alot of people keep their snappers warm year round for the first several years of their life. I'd like to know if there are any ill effects from this. Steve

I have heard that unless you intend to breed them, then you don't need to worry about it but I would say that it is important to brumate regardless. I've never heard of any studies on this but if you think about it there's probably other stuff going on during that time besides reproductive cycling. Who knows what kind of chemical stuff is going on inside the brain and it's probably important for the body to go through that fat burning process. I have no proof of any of this but to me it just seems like common sense. I mean you try to recreate all other aspects of their natural environment like the type of food you feed them, the photoperiod, proper water temperature, UV ligt etc. so why would you just leave out something as major as brumation. As I say, this is all just my opinion. Maybe someone else has something more scientific.