Is Brumation Necessary?

[toddnbecka]

I'm thinking to pick up a used fridge just for brumation, likely cheaper than a wine cooler.

[Albert Clark]

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

I'm thinking to pick up a used fridge just for brumation, likely cheaper than a wine cooler.

That's a great idea todd but it's very important to condition the animals well by increasing their food intake a couple of months prior to brumating. You really have to have healthy animals to put them through the stress of brumation. You also have to stop feeding them altogether at least two to three weeks prior to cooling them. Many animals perish during or shortly after coming out of brumation. You do have to remember to open the fridge at least a once every couple of days to circulate a fresh air supply.Target temps vary with species and their geographic distribution. Mostly all will need a moist brumation chamber to stave off dehydration which is another killer of brumating reptiles.