Health check during brumation?

[edwintheskink]

I have seen conflicting information about whether to do health checks during brumation.

What I have been doing is blowing on the spot where my skink is burrowed about once a week. He hisses so I think he’s fine. Is there anything else I should do?

I went to try to dig him up today to maybe weigh him and examine him, but he started huffing and puffing so aggressively before I could even find him that I felt bad and decided to leave him be.

[splashy07]

Brumation is a part of their natural life cycle. There is no reason to bother them during this period unless there was a known illness beforehand. Disturbing them will do nothing but cause stress and interrupt their cycle.

[Janella]

Agreed!!!

[kandon4321]

I disagree with not doing them as I nearly lost a bluey to brumation. If your animal has even the slightest RI then it can grow. Any small infections or parasites could increase as they are mor valuables. It is best to check for those things befor but I say to also check during even if it just once every few months you get them out listen to ther breathing and give them a check over.

[splashy07]

A healthy skink will not have issues brumating. When the time of year comes around a health check beforehand will alleviate any issues.