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Hi Guys,
I copied this from a post i made elsewhere. I know it's a bit late now to be talking about brumation as most of your dragons are probably well and truly in the deep sleep if not coming out of it. It might be something you guys want to keep in the back of your mind for next brumation season.
I just thought i would add some info from a natural perspective though as i know there had been times on forums where people freak out if their dragons where going through brumation at a young age (8 months and under).
Natural mating dependant on Australia's seasons
Mating occurs late winter early spring as the adults come out of brumation.
June-July
Gestation for a female dragon roughly 5 weeks
so say July-August she lays her eggs
Eggs incubate 50-60 days
October-November the eggs hatch
By the time the hatchies become juveniles, 7-8 months later
It is now May-June again and midwinter
Most of the flora here in Australia start to shut down in early May and does not bloom again till spring August-September. The lack off flora due to the colder climate would mean the lack of insects that feed on them. Which naturally would mean the lack of food for animals that prey on insects. The only solution for survival and avoidance of starvation during these months is either migration or hibernation/brumation. Having said that the northern part of the country in the tropical areas does not get as cold and actually have the opposite effect. When winter rolls over in the north of Australia it becomes more temperate and is the time of the wet season, life actually blooms at this time.
In summary it is natural (actually essential) part of a BDs survival strategy in the wild to brumate at a young age as it has no choice. Though this is obviously different for generational captive bred dragons. I just thought it might be intersting to have this info at hand for owners who have specimens that brumate early (by captive standards).
Cheers,
I copied this from a post i made elsewhere. I know it's a bit late now to be talking about brumation as most of your dragons are probably well and truly in the deep sleep if not coming out of it. It might be something you guys want to keep in the back of your mind for next brumation season.
I just thought i would add some info from a natural perspective though as i know there had been times on forums where people freak out if their dragons where going through brumation at a young age (8 months and under).
Natural mating dependant on Australia's seasons
Mating occurs late winter early spring as the adults come out of brumation.
June-July
Gestation for a female dragon roughly 5 weeks
so say July-August she lays her eggs
Eggs incubate 50-60 days
October-November the eggs hatch
By the time the hatchies become juveniles, 7-8 months later
It is now May-June again and midwinter
Most of the flora here in Australia start to shut down in early May and does not bloom again till spring August-September. The lack off flora due to the colder climate would mean the lack of insects that feed on them. Which naturally would mean the lack of food for animals that prey on insects. The only solution for survival and avoidance of starvation during these months is either migration or hibernation/brumation. Having said that the northern part of the country in the tropical areas does not get as cold and actually have the opposite effect. When winter rolls over in the north of Australia it becomes more temperate and is the time of the wet season, life actually blooms at this time.
In summary it is natural (actually essential) part of a BDs survival strategy in the wild to brumate at a young age as it has no choice. Though this is obviously different for generational captive bred dragons. I just thought it might be intersting to have this info at hand for owners who have specimens that brumate early (by captive standards).
Cheers,
