Most notably, brumation refers to dormancy undergone by ectothermic “cold-blooded” animals, while hibernation refers to dormancy undergone by endothermic “warm-blooded” animals. Basically, animals like reptiles and amphibians brumate, while mammals (and some birds) hibernate.
Brumation is a lethargic state that some ectothermic animals, such as many reptiles, assume during cold conditions. Reptiles generally begin brumation in late autumn. They often wake up to drink water and return to "sleep".
During brumation, reptiles stop eating and their heart and respiratory rates slow significantly, as does their digestion. This "suspended animation"—long periods of inactivity—may actually lengthen the lives of these reptiles.
Hibernation is a deeper and longer version of torpor. Brumation on the other hand is specific to reptiles and amphibians that enter a state of 'deep sleep' where they undergo the same process of inactivity and low body temperature heart rate metabolic rate and respiratory rate drops.
As a result, reptilian dormancy, or brumation, is different from mammalian hibernation because the metabolic processes are different. Not unlike mammals, reptiles may begin their dormancy stage in the fall. However, they do not enter a state of “sleep” as the mammals do. They go into a state of suspended animation.
Not all Bearded dragons will brumate, so it is also worth keeping this in mind if your Bearded dragon never seems to show the above signs. When they do brumate, Bearded dragons tend to brumate for anything between a few weeks, to the entire winter period, depending on the individual and external factors.
In the wild, brumation would last three to four months.
It can be disconcerting if your bearded dragon goes into brumation and then disappears for months on end. If you start to worry, just peek in on your dragon from time to time or even every day to make sure he is still breathing.
Chances are it's bearded dragon brumation time. Bearded dragons in the wild will brumate every year during the cold winter months. In captivity, brumation is not necessary to survive the winter months since it lives in an artificially heated and lit habitat.
Pet reptiles have no reason to brumate but it is an innate behavior, therefore, their bodies tell them to do it.
Torpor is different from hibernation or brumation because it can be a very short duration, such as one night or can be for an extended period, depending on the needs of the animal. Torpor is a period of decreased physical activity an animal intentionally enters to conserve metabolic energy.
There is no good reason to wake up a Bearded Dragon brumating. You should always allow your dragon to wake up naturally. Never try and wake them up by increasing the tank temperature.
It is important to make sure your beardie has had a bowel movement before entering a total brumation state, as this will ensure their digestive system is empty, eliminating the risk of trapped food. Once this has been achieved, turn off the bearded dragon's basking bulb and UV light.
Is Brumation Dangerous? Brumation can be dangerous. If a turtle/tortoise undergoes brumation outdoors, it is at the mercy of the environment. If the temperature is too low, this can result in detrimental effects such as freezing.
In the wild, brumation is typically triggered by shorter days, lower temperatures, and barometric pressure and humidity changes, depending on the species and the native environment. Most keepers that choose to replicate brumation in captivity prefer to artificially create those changes as closely as possible.
After brumation, your bearded dragon will probably act a little different for a couple weeks. Females will be more energetic, but males can drive you crazy. Since brumation raises their natural hormone levels, expect your male to head bob his head off, with the blackest beard you've ever seen!
The Australian climate is not cold enough for hibernation however snakes do Brumate. Brumation is a form of dormancy in reptiles that is similar to hibernation. It differs from ©Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7 2016 Page 2 hibernation in the metabolic processes involved.
If your pet doesn't show any sign that it wants to enter a less active state, then you don't really need to do anything to artificially induce such a state. Captive snakes, lizards, or tortoises may enter a pseudo-brumation state in which they eat much less and are less active, but don't fully brumate.
Yes! While not effusive and certainly not as emotional as dogs, cats, and other mammals, bearded dragons are known to show signs of affection to their owners. For example, they will remain calm when handled or sit still on their owner's lap. Bearded dragons are not social creatures by nature.
If your bearded dragon stops eating, don't despair as this doesn't mean they will die. While it mostly depends on the age, health, and weight of your pet, the fully-grown dragon can usually live for three weeks and sometimes up to two months without eating.
As desert dwelling reptiles, bearded dragons can go weeks without food, sometimes a few months. This allows them to survive in their native habitat when food sources are scarce. In captivity, this usually occurs during brumation.
Bearded dragons start brumation when temperatures drop and daylight hours decrease. Generally, this occurs from May/June until August in the Southern Hemisphere, and from November/December until spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It can last a few weeks or reach five months and more.
However, the temperature will drop below 60° Fahrenheit at night and only get up to about 75° or 80° during the day. Instead of going into full hibernation, wild bearded dragons simply slow their movements and digestion during this period to conserve energy. This is brumation!