Brumation

What it is

Brumation is a slowing down in cooler months. The animal eats less or stops, and it is less active. It is not the same as mammalian hibernation, and it is not required for every pet reptile. Tropical species such as crested geckos, ball pythons, and white's tree frogs are not brumated on a temperate calendar.

Who it can suit

Healthy adult temperate species, including some tortoises, colubrids, and bearded dragons, may slow down in winter if the keeper has done it before and the animal is in good weight. Hatchlings, newly acquired animals, and any animal that lost weight this year should be kept warm and eating.

Before you cool the room

Book a fecal exam if parasites are possible. Confirm the animal has emptied its gut. A snake or lizard that cools down with a full stomach can rot that meal. Drop temperatures gradually, keep water available, and weigh the animal on a schedule you can keep.

Stop

Warm the animal back up if it loses weight quickly, sits with its mouth open, or you are no longer sure the cool-down is voluntary. A reptile veterinarian is the right call when you cannot tell brumation from illness. The two can look alike.

Records

Write down the start date, the temperatures, and the weights. Next winter you will want that page more than a forum thread.