New BTS concerns

Armand's Mom · Postby **Armand's Mom** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:29 pm

My 10 year old son recently adopted a BTS from a 17 year old and his mom. The 17 year old is now more interested in electronics than skinks.

Armand, our 3 year old skink, has been with us a couple of weeks. He is in the tank that he is used to. However, he's really not eating. I expected this as our leopard gecko didn't eat for a week or so when we brought him home from the pet store. Armand is pretty fat from what I've learned so that he has plenty of reserve.

I have seen him take a little drink. As a result of not eating, he's also not pooping. That is what has me concerned. But, he seems fine. He's not lethargic. We took him out this evening to hold him and to let him walk on the rug for a few minutes.

He seems to have shed last week. There was a little bit of shed left on his feet so we gave him a warm bath in the tub which the previous owners said they did as well.

Thoughts? Thanks!

evil pixie · Postby **evil pixie** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:34 pm

My skink Blue is doing the same thing, it's due to brumation, a winter sleep. Skinks will just sleep thru all the cold, crappy weather and wake up in the spring hungry and well-rested. It's a natural thing. I have begun turning his temps down even, so he will be even less active than he is now.

My other skink, Severus, is kind of young and I don't want to brumate him/her, but regardless, his/her activity and appetite have reduced. It's just a natural thing they do.

Armand's Mom · Postby **Armand's Mom** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:39 pm

I had read about brumation but the previous owner didn't mention this happening.

We do keep the reptile light on as the previous owner did -- 6:30 a.m. till about 8:30 p.m. Armand has an undertank heating pad that stays on all the time. I imagine they notice the temps changing regardless.

Well, I appreciate the feedback.

NomadOfTheHills · Postby **NomadOfTheHills** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:41 pm

Unless your house drops below 60 at night, no need for a heat pad.

Lisa · Postby **Lisa** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:57 pm

With brumation, they can still be active as normal but have no interest in food. They don't necessarily all go to sleep. Also, they may not necessarily follow the same routine every year. One of mine did not brumate for the first two years (his choice) but has done so since then.

Welcome!

Kya Ajiira · Postby **Kya Ajiira** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:58 pm

i wish you good luck with the new skink and i know iw as worried at first XD

Armand's Mom · Postby **Armand's Mom** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 8:44 pm

Thanks so much for the feedback. I really do feel like he'll do ok. I'll call the previous "mom" again tomorrow and share the latest.

My son will be happy that he can still handle Armand. I'll stop giving him food that he ignores every day. I'll try once or twice a week.

Fatal_S · Postby **Fatal_S** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:54 pm

Good luck with your new skinker! I'd love to see pictures once you get some ^.^

Leigh · Postby **Leigh** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:11 am

Have you had a chance to read and read and read the caresheet, it'll take three goes to remember it all :lol:

lots of the questions you'll have could be answered from there.Nice avatar you've done

. to avoid any nagging ,you should know that pictures are a must, don't worry about over doing them as you CANT.Enjoy your stay and your new found addiction.

Kya Ajiira · Postby **Kya Ajiira** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:48 am

beware! leigh can get meanie if he doesent get his dose of skink pictures lol!!!

aggiegirl · Postby **aggiegirl** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:24 am

Welcome to the forum! You and your son are going to love being skink owners. I have a son the same age as yours and I must admit that we both love BTs. If you post pictures, we can help assess the body condition of your guy. As long as he looks OK, there should be no problem with his seasonal inappetance/brumation. As mentioned, the care sheet here is incredible. Let your son do a science fair project on BTs if he has one coming up. We did blueys last year and now we've moved on to a cresty project. My son is not excited about school but he really got excited about doing a project about BTs! Most importantly, Mom didn't have to hover and nag----not that we'd ever do those things! :wink:

Tattoo · Postby **Tattoo** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 6:56 pm

to the forum and the bluey madness. We are awaiting Armand's photo debute so :ryo:

NomadOfTheHills · Postby **NomadOfTheHills** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 7:57 pm

NomadOfTheHills wrote:Unless your house drops below 60 at night, no need for a heat pad.

Don't forget this part! You don't want to mess with natural cycles lol.

Blotch · Postby **Blotch** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:01 pm

Umm, Where are you situated? I noticed the "MOM" which points to America or Canada - but you could be either living in Australia, so Location would be great. That way we can find out if it is most likely Brumation.

Armand's Mom · Postby **Armand's Mom** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 4:55 pm

We live in Indiana. I am less concerned that Armand doesn't eat than that he hasn't excreted anything....

I will read and reread the care sheet.

THANKS!

Armand's Mom · Postby **Armand's Mom** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 4:58 pm

I haven't figured out yet how to download my pics. I was hoping that magic would happen and they would magically be resized!

Postby **Zach** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:06 am

NomadOfTheHills wrote:
NomadOfTheHills wrote:Unless your house drops below 60 at night, no need for a heat pad.

Don't forget this part! You don't want to mess with natural cycles lol.

I agree!

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