PDA

View Full Version : What does your tegu do during brumation?


rachmangler
11-24-12, 10:17 PM
I recently got my Argentine BW and understand brumation/hibernation but am wondering what other people's tegus do in the cold seasons?

I live in Portland, OR. His temps are 73-85 for the cold-warm sides and he has a basking spot of 110 degrees. I have him in a vision enclosure with a built in burrowing side on the cooler end that has half a foot of bedding in it. He is a juvi. I ordered him off backwaterreptiles and i'd assume he's about 2 years old. He's about 2 1/2 almost 3 feet long.

He has slowed down a bit. He normally would wake up around 7:30 am and sometimes would be active until about 3 pm. Recently I haven't seen him basking regularly and he has cut down on eating a little.

The main thing i'm worried about is when I should cut back on his food so nothing rots in his belly. He did wake up the other day around 5 pm and was running around the house for a few hours...so from his random bursts of energy I am confused as to if he's actually going to hibernate?

Will my tegu still come out to run around if he's actually hibernating? Should I keep feeding him if he does this? It's hard judging since this is our first winter together and I just want to get some input. I'm having a hard time finding hibernation care sheets.

marvelfreak
11-25-12, 02:30 PM
Wish i could help you but i am not a lizard guy. I am sure someone will be able to answer your questions. I would love to see pictures of you Tegu though.

Little Wise Owl
11-25-12, 07:03 PM
I know that my tegu breeder here in Canada is putting her tegus down for hibernation in 10 days and has now started withholding food. My little guy is still awake for short periods every day so I'm offering him food every 2-3 days. I'd say if he starts really slowing down, stop feeding for a week and see if he goes to sleep for sure. This will be my first hibernation with my baby tegu so I'm still learning as well.

rachmangler
11-25-12, 10:04 PM
I know that my tegu breeder here in Canada is putting her tegus down for hibernation in 10 days and has now started withholding food. My little guy is still awake for short periods every day so I'm offering him food every 2-3 days. I'd say if he starts really slowing down, stop feeding for a week and see if he goes to sleep for sure. This will be my first hibernation with my baby tegu so I'm still learning as well.

Thanks! He was out again last night. It's hard judging...but I spose i'll have to play it by ear and make sure he is keeping weight on once I think he's really hibernating once I stop feeding.