I’ve had my 13-year-old rescue Bluey, Ruth, for a little over two years. She stopped eating almost a month ago and isn’t drinking as much. I did some research and it sounds like she could be entering brumation - however , her other behaviors don’t match. While she is burrowing a bit more than usual, she doesn’t stay burrowed or hidden. She is extremely active and alert and wants to come out and socialize every day. Other than some banana and a blueberry, though, she hasn’t eaten and looks thinner.
Is this brumation behavior? It did start around the time it got colder here, but she did not do this last winter. And if it is brumation, do I need to keep her tank cooler, not feed her, etc.? Ruth seems so healthy and happy but I’m worried that something is wrong. I’m new to this and want her to thrive, so any advice would help. Thank you!
Is my bluey in brumation or is something wrong?
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In this forum all are welcome to ask blue tongue skink-related questions, share information, ideas, tips, experiences, and pictures with fellow BTS enthusiasts.
If you are wondering if your BTS is acting normally or might be sick, this is where you can get help with that.
This is also where you can have some FUN while sharing the enjoyment you get from your blueys!
In this forum all are welcome to ask blue tongue skink-related questions, share information, ideas, tips, experiences, and pictures with fellow BTS enthusiasts.
If you are wondering if your BTS is acting normally or might be sick, this is where you can get help with that.
This is also where you can have some FUN while sharing the enjoyment you get from your blueys!
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BklynBluey
- Bluey Beginner

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- Country: US
- Location: Brooklyn
- splashy07
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- Location: Farmingdale,LI,NY
Re: Is my bluey in brumation or is something wrong?
If you have a Northern or Eastern BTS it's brumation season. Any time from October to February here in the northeast. I no longer keep Indonesian species but have in the past. I have never known them to brumate.
Brumation, similar to hibernation but unlike in the fact that it is not a complete shutdown. Brumating reptiles may come out and about at times, usually on warmer days and have a drink (necessary to offer water at this time but not food if they are not interested).
If you are not breeding there is no need to change anything.
Brumation, similar to hibernation but unlike in the fact that it is not a complete shutdown. Brumating reptiles may come out and about at times, usually on warmer days and have a drink (necessary to offer water at this time but not food if they are not interested).
If you are not breeding there is no need to change anything.
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BklynBluey
- Bluey Beginner

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- Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2023 9:10 am
- Country: US
- Location: Brooklyn
Re: Is my bluey in brumation or is something wrong?
Thank you! I forgot to mention that Ruth is a merauke. I have come across a lot of contradictory info about their brumation habits, but it sounds like they don’t need to fully brumate and that I should, as you recommended, not change anything. I wouldn’t worry if she hadn’t gotten thinner. She also has MBS due to poor care from the person I rescued her from, and since she’s not eating, I’m not able to give her her calcium. Is it a major problem for her to briefly get less of it?
I really appreciate the advice, given the inconsistent info online. This forum is so solid.
I really appreciate the advice, given the inconsistent info online. This forum is so solid.
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Skinkylinky
- Bluey Beginner

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- Joined: Fri Oct 25, 2024 12:18 pm
- Country: USA
- Location: Tennessee
Re: Is my bluey in brumation or is something wrong?
Indonesian bts don’t go into brumation so it can’t be that
- splashy07
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Re: Is my bluey in brumation or is something wrong?
Being a 13 year old animal, I doubt that the temporary lack of calcium will matter much if at all.
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