Halmahera brumation?

[corentine]

Hi all! Just had a question about brumation. For the past week my 7-8 month old halmahera hasn't come out to eat, poop, or drink from what i've seen. He just stays burrowed in his substrate all day and night. I tried giving him food on Tuesday and he hasn't touched it. I know he's alive because I lifted up his hide to see a few scales peeking out from under the sub and he gave me a big huff! haha. I don't want to dig him out but I just want to make sure there isn't anything super worrying. As far as I can tell he seems healthy, but the not eating is a bit concerning to me. It hasn't been that long since his last meal (saturday, I had a family member feed him as I was away for a week) but I still worry since he's my first bts!

Is this brumating behavior? I live in the Northeast USA, and if anyone else is here you know we've had some nasty cold weather, including a few whiteouts where I live. Could this also be a reason?

[splashy07]

Halmaheras in general do not brumate. They originate from a tropical environment that seldom if ever sees cooler temperatures. If he is a recent purchase I'd suggest a vet check as Halys are always imported, and parasites can manifest themselves due to the stress of importation, among many other reasons. Make sure your humidity is at the very least 80 percent and you have a basking site of 95+.

[corentine]

Ive actually had him since May and He's been to the vet - no parasites. His humidity has been dropping a little because of the extra heat in the house, I'll try upping the frequency of his mister and see if that helps.

[splashy07]

I also should have mentioned he may be going into shed, which more often than not affects their appetite. How is his weight?

[corentine]

His weight seems fine - I haven't weighed him in a few weeks but I'm pretty sure he's over 200g? Around the low 200s, if I remember correctly. It could be he's beginning to shed, his color did seem a tad bit dull, but he's usually a big pig when it comes to food and always ate even while shedding. I know things can change though, so I'll keep an eye on him. How long can he go without food before I should start being worried?

[splashy07]

I've never had a baby Haly go off feed (I kept them some years back) they were slobs right from the getgo. Through shed periods too, and even during sheds! What are your temps? Maybe try bumping them up a bit, that usually encourages activity. Keep that humidity high, too. When I kept them my cool side temps were in the mid 80's.

[Janella]

Yup totally couldn't say it better myself.

[corentine]

Admittedly the ambient temps could be a bit higher in my room - his basking spot on top of his slate is around 100, but the other end of the enclosure drops to around 70, which is the ambient temp in the rest of my room. I've got huge windows since I love the sun myself, but it sure is hard keeping in warmth in new england winter! I pulled out an old radiator type heater and plugged it in, so hopefully that will raise the temperature enough.

I'm almost tempted to dig him out and give him a quick check over to make sure theres nothing wrong with him i really hope he starts coming out and eating again! it's been about a week since his last meal, i miss my little piggy boy.

[splashy07]

What type of cage do you have? If you have a screen top cover all but a hole for the lamp with foil. That keeps in heat and humidity. I'd also increase the bulb wattage. Halys like it hot.

[corentine]

I have acrylic tops with a few small holes for ventilation on one side and a hole for light/heat on the other. I lowered his heat bulb so it gets a little hotter (it’s still above his tank so no chance for him to touch it) but a few days ago he ate some food I left out, and today I saw him under his hide not burrowed! I lifted it up and it turns out he was shedding! Hopefully he’ll be back to normal soon then, he must have just been a bit moody, which he’s done once before lol

[splashy07]

Good to hear! Keep us posted!