Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, just wondering your opinions on how many days I should leave the heat lights on before brumating my chucks(if I decide to do so), in order to be sure their digestive systems are empty. I have always waited 2-3 weeks with snakes, but wasnt sure if herbivorious lizards would need as much time.
To give an idea of what I have, they are 2 young adults, about 14" tl, been captive for a few years now, and are in great shape.
Do most of you brumate them? Mine are still eating, but are liking their hide more and more, and are not as active. In winters past, I have just left the lights on, left them slow down, and fed them less. Thanks for your input.

I would just play it by ear. Austin and I will leave the heat on for at least a week to 10 days with no food offered. After this time, we will turn the heat off and leave them at room temp for another week to 10 days, as long as they don't start loosing weight quickly. If they still look fat and healthy at this time, we begin to cool them down. I think the cooler they get, and duration of these cooler temps, determine the importance of flushing the gut contents out. If they are at room temp, they may not be active, but digestion could still occur. If they are too cold to digest at all for a solid two or three months, food left in the gut may rot. So it is very important to let their digestive systems clear out prior to cooling.
Good luck.
Nick