Brumation
The reptile equivalent of hibernation: a seasonal winter slow-down in cooler months.
Brumation is a period of dormancy triggered by falling temperatures and shorter days. The animal becomes inactive and stops or greatly reduces feeding, often for weeks or months. It is normal and healthy in many temperate species when it happens on cue.
Only ever brumate a healthy animal, an underlying illness or a gut full of undigested food can make it fatal. Weigh regularly throughout: a small, gradual loss is expected, but a sudden or large drop means end it and warm the animal gradually. For a rescue of unknown history, a vet check first (or skipping a year) is the safe call.
Related terms
baskr turns the fundamentals into practice, log temperature, humidity and weight and it scores each animal against species ideal ranges, flagging problems early.
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General husbandry guidance, not veterinary advice. Always confirm details for your species with an up-to-date care sheet, an experienced keeper or an exotics vet.