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Home › Forums › Diamondback Terrapins › New question..
Ok, I was under the same impression about captive DBT’s not needing to hibernate. I do think that his water temp dropped too low. I live in a small dorm room where temperature easily fluctuates. I do not currently have a heater but, now, am planning to purchase one soon. I aimed his light to shine more directly in his tank, warming up the temperature and he seems to be a little more active. He’s still not eating as much, but is improving. My new question is this: The vet told me that if DBT’s don’t hibernate they go into a state of brumation. Basically, this is a psuedo-hibernation where their metabolism slows but doesn’t stop completely as in real hibernation. Because they’re not eating, but are still using energy, they lose like 10% of their body weight. She said that Harvey might make it through the winter but would probably have a shorter life span because of the stress on his body. Have any of you had any experience with this? Is this true? If so, what can I do to help Harvey along?? Thanks (and sorry for all the questions.)
Yes the brumation is true. Usually caused by the light cycle. But hibernationn causes weight loss and stress as well. BBM