Bruminating Beardies

When the seasons change and the days grow shorter and colder, most beardies start to bruminate. Bruminating is a light version of hibernating. For a week to several months, adult beardies will sleep constantly. Some will open their eyes and raise their heads; some will not move at all.

Don't panic. This is normal-- BUT only for beardies over a year. Juvenile beardies who appear to bruminate are actually sick and need bet attention immediately. 

So what about food? I always keep pellet food and water in their tanks. I cut way back on the greens, offering them greens only every couple days and only when I see they are alert and moving around. Most of my boys will pop right up if they see the roach container in my hand still.

Ziggy hasn't moved for 4 days.

For the most part, just let your beardies be. Lights go on and lights go off at normal times. Just let them sleep. It's pretty boring for us, but necessary for them. If you want, you can make them a cozy little box to hide in or a blankie to sleep on. My guys tend to just plop down and nap. The older they get, the longer they bruminate too.

I've been a bit more assertive with Drake as he's starting to bruminate because he's been sickly. So I'll let him sleep, but I'll also check him daily to make sure he's alive and responsive. :) He hates it, but it makes me feel better.

If you notice sunk in eyes or no response at all when you touch them, this could be a problem. Wake them up and give them some water to drink to keep them hydrated.

Read more information HERE about bruminating from a past blog post.

Babysitting

Since a good friend of mine is having surgery today and will be in rehab for a week or so, I am babysitting her two Beardie boys. 

Hunter 

Preacher 

To keep them away from my other beardies, I have them in the front room with my tortoise box. 

Next week the two chameleons, Akime & Lotus, will be going to their new home which is a chameleon paradise. That will free up some more room for me. Woo hoo! 

Drake is on a round of antibiotics and then he should be ready to be adopted out. He's a sweetie, but has a hard time eating food. I think it's because his eyes are still weepy. He's starting to shed so he's not such an ugly stained orange color. And he's putting on weight so he's not so stick-like.