Brumating Advice

[jdheff1982]

Greetings,

This Winter has really been hard on my electric bill. So much so, that I have had to lower my thermostat to the upper 60's. I wanted to prevent my skink from brumating; however, my efforts have failed. I have seen him emerge every now and again; but he mostly stays hidden. I usually run two incandescent light bulbs (65 Flood and 65 watt spot) + the compact UVB bulb. My question is this, while my skink is brumating, could I go ahead and turn off the 2 incandescents until he is done? I am trying to save some money on the electric bill and every little I can save helps. I have already dropped 1 incandescent so he still has a heat source if he is so inclined to bask.

This is my first time dealing with brumation. Thanks in advance.

[donkeybuff]

Since your house is in the upper 60s (kind of warm for brumating skinks), he may not be in full brumation, so he may still want the option to bask. Are you feeding him at all? If you, are a basking spot is a must.

[jdheff1982]

Since your house is in the upper 60s (kind of warm for brumating skinks), he may not be in full brumation, so he may still want the option to bask. Are you feeding him at all? If you are, a basking spot is a must.

I feed when he is out; however, he never seems to have much of an appetite even though he seems healthy and allows me to interact with him. In fact, last weekend was the last time he ate and the last time I saw him out. Had company over and he wanted to interact with everyone. I gave him half a small can of wet cat food and he took a few bites and went back to bed. He usually eats what I give him. He's not losing weight from what I can tell visually. Even my corn snake seems to have a low desire to eat right now. Although, he just shed yesterday; so I will try a frozen mouse tomorrow.

Anyways, I'll keep the spot lamp on for his basking pleasure. Thanks!

[Richard.C]

Sounds like normal northern brumation,i leave hot bsdking spot for mine during the day but in a 6 foot long cage the area outside of basking area stays quite cool and zero night heat,if u can get 1 light to provide thst then thats your best option ,gives them choices and they normally choose to brumate