Brumation
Brumation is a common occurrence in skinks. It is much like hibernation with a few distinct differences. A hibernating bear breeds and packs in calories prior to its long winter’s nap. When it awakens in the spring, the young have been born, and it comes out of its cave ready for the world. With brumation, the behavior is quite different. Many skinks have their own definition of what it means to brumate. Speaking from my own experience, I have come to realize that skinks fall on all areas of the spectrum regarding eating, sleeping, basking, burrowing and activity.
it is not uncommon for skinks to go three or four months without taking a bite. This is possible because of their extremely slow metabolism during brumation. It is also the single most worrisome aspect of owning a skink. When they do eat, they usually prefer protein foods to vegetables and fruit. If your skink is otherwise healthy, do not try to force feed him or feel a trip to the vet is warranted. It can actually be detrimental to your animal to try and force him to eat. I have never heard anyone say that their skink starved himself to death. They will eat when their metabolism picks back up again in the spring.
Some skinks begin to burrow down in late fall. Some will warm themselves daily, others seem to disappear completely. Other than an occasional drink of water and a quick bask on their rock, they may not show their heads again until spring. Others will come out every day as usual and act as if everything is normal, except for eating. They will probably be more testy than normal if you try and wake them. If they are in the substrate and you try to move it, they will often huff or hiss at you. They may seem to not even recognize their favorite foods as something edible. Some lose weight while others do not. Again, never force them to eat.
Some people try to force their skink into brumation by lowering the temperature ten to fifteen degrees and turning out the lights. Breeders often do this to make sure they cycle adequately in the spring. Some believe it is healthier if they sleep for a period of time. I let my animals decide. Babies often times do not brumate the first year. Breeding females always dig down and sleep hard through the winter to get ready for mating in the spring. The others each have their own idea of what to do.
My best advice to you is to let your animal decide what it wants and needs. Brumation can be quite frustrating, especially for a new bluey owner. This behavior is probably opposite of every other pet you have owned in the past. As long as they appear to be healthy in every other way, it’s best to let nature take its course. They will teach you what they need to have.
Brumation is a common occurrence in skinks. It is much like hibernation with a few distinct differences. A hibernating bear breeds and packs in calories prior to its long winter’s nap. When it awakens in the spring, the young have been born, and it comes out of its cave ready for the world. With brumation, the behavior is quite different. Many skinks have their own definition of what it means to brumate. Speaking from my own experience, I have come to realize that skinks fall on all areas of the spectrum regarding eating, sleeping, basking, burrowing and activity.
it is not uncommon for skinks to go three or four months without taking a bite. This is possible because of their extremely slow metabolism during brumation. It is also the single most worrisome aspect of owning a skink. When they do eat, they usually prefer protein foods to vegetables and fruit. If your skink is otherwise healthy, do not try to force feed him or feel a trip to the vet is warranted. It can actually be detrimental to your animal to try and force him to eat. I have never heard anyone say that their skink starved himself to death. They will eat when their metabolism picks back up again in the spring.
Some skinks begin to burrow down in late fall. Some will warm themselves daily, others seem to disappear completely. Other than an occasional drink of water and a quick bask on their rock, they may not show their heads again until spring. Others will come out every day as usual and act as if everything is normal, except for eating. They will probably be more testy than normal if you try and wake them. If they are in the substrate and you try to move it, they will often huff or hiss at you. They may seem to not even recognize their favorite foods as something edible. Some lose weight while others do not. Again, never force them to eat.
Some people try to force their skink into brumation by lowering the temperature ten to fifteen degrees and turning out the lights. Breeders often do this to make sure they cycle adequately in the spring. Some believe it is healthier if they sleep for a period of time. I let my animals decide. Babies often times do not brumate the first year. Breeding females always dig down and sleep hard through the winter to get ready for mating in the spring. The others each have their own idea of what to do.
My best advice to you is to let your animal decide what it wants and needs. Brumation can be quite frustrating, especially for a new bluey owner. This behavior is probably opposite of every other pet you have owned in the past. As long as they appear to be healthy in every other way, it’s best to let nature take its course. They will teach you what they need to have.