Brubation?!O_O

[phaemas]

So I myself am PETRUFIED by the fact that Marvin AND Serina have slowly stopped eating alot. I've been feeding them every 3 days instead of two but still no eating alot. So I have made the desision I will Brumbate them this winter.

NOW heres my delemia, I can't ''dim'' the heat it's ether on or off. AND I'm not quiet comfertable with not feeding them for the winter but like I said they have made their choice to brumbate.

Any help/suggestions for this new experiance?!

[Nae]

Brumation*

Anywho, dont worry - A healthy reptile can go months without eating. If neither of them are losing any weight, then its all good. A good idea would be to weigh them now, that way you can compare if at any point you think they may be loosing condition, or just every few weeks anyway.

Since you arent breeding, I personally wouldnt worry about the lighting - Many blueys here on the forum seem to go through a almost semi-brumation - They sleep more and eat less then normal, but otherwise do come out to bask and eat occasionally, rather then rarely.

[Alioop]

I don't see any reason why brumating is a good solution here. Brumation is not going to benefit your skinks in any way. Keep the lights and heat the same. If your blueys slow down a little bit, hide more often and eat a little less during the winter months don't worry about it. At your present experience and knowledge level it is much easier on you and MUCH SAFER for your reptiles to keep the lights and heat ON. If they don't have an appetite to eat twice a week, then just feed once a week.

[Fatal_S]

Exactly as Ali said. Leave everything as-is and let them decide what to do.

[phaemas]

Okay:) I'll start feeding every wednesday.

Also:

While I was holding Marvin I noticed he had a small ''slit'' between in his rear underside. Serina doesn'y have this?

[El Lobo]

While I was holding Marvin I noticed he had a small ''slit'' between in his rear underside. Serina doesn'y have this?

Do you mean other than the cloaca?

[phaemas]

Marvins a girlO_O I know where they poo from (A sight I may NEVER un-see) but this is diffrent from that hole.

[Bird_Brain]

There is only one "hole" there. By "hole" I am referring to the cloaca, which actually appears more like a slit than hole. Both females and males appear the same when looked at from the bottom. If you have another "hole" on one of your skinks, please post pictures so we can see what exactly you are referring to. It is not normal to have more than one opening on the underside.

[phaemas]

I will get a pic now:)

[phaemas]

After a closer inspection I relize now it's dented/deforemed sides of the two four scales. creating a hole looking shape:) thanks for helping anyways!XDI really thought He was a she or somthing (Though I am starting to think Serinas a boyO_o)

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

...

[Scotts1au]

I thought you said you were putrified about it. that would be a sign you were really scared.

[phaemas]

About them ''hybranating'' yes. Yes I was!XD Also My friend asked me one question I could not anwser she asks:

"How young is to young for a male to be bred?"

And I said "I don't knowXD"

I think she wants a skink or somthing to breed.

[Susann]

In my opinion, a brand new skink-owner shouldnt breed their animals for the first 2-3 years, regardless of the skink's age. I believe that's also about the age that the skink should be before breeding for the first time. A female probably shouldn't have babies until it's at least 3 years old, and mostly grown. Even then there can't be any questions about the female's health, as growing babies takes a lot nutrition from the females body.

[Alioop]

Susann, where did you get your info regarding breeding age? Just curious.

Typically, a baby skink will not be brumated their first winter, as they are too small. However, if a young skink has grown large enough by spring, its possible for them to breed then (around 9-10 months old). This is really not recommended as breeding, and giving birth for the female, can be be quite taxing. Otherwise, breeding can take place the following spring, after brumation, when the skink is about 18+ months.

[Susann]

Susann, where did you get your info regarding breeding age? Just curious.

Besides having read up on Crestie- and BTS breeding, I was considering the audience, and therefore went with the general guidelines for most pet-animals as far as females preferably being full grown--or close to it--prior to carrying and birthing young. In what I have read, that seems to be the common consensus of opinion among other, serious BTS breeders as well.
No, I have absolutely no experience with breeding skinks, and have no scientific studies to cite. Just wanted to voice a very cautioning opinion so that very inexperienced owners of very young skinks don't decide to try breeding on a whim.

[Fatal_S]

I'm of the opinion that a well-kept female skink could be a good/safe mom at ~2 y/o but I much prefer to wait the extra year (~3 y/o) to be sure the skink is full grown and healthy. I don't feel any need to rush a female into breeding

[phaemas]

So it's serinas birthday today:)YAY! And she turns a year! What about a male (round a year or two to a three year old female?)


And is it normal for a skink to seem to be more mussle than fat?

[Fatal_S]

Skinks are very solid, so yes, it's normal

Some males could mate as young as 6 months if the female would let them. But it's dangerous and they're not very likely to get the job done. Yearlings are a bit better but still not really on top of their game, and 2+ y/o males seem to be generally capable studs.

[phaemas]

Hmm Didn't know thatO_O But I DO know that a type of weasle in new zealand (forget the name of it but it's the ONLY type of weasle they have) when females leave the nest they're already bred as young as 3 weeksO_O Talk about eager fathersO_O