Female Focus
The extended sleep period known as hibernation is a survival mechanism that keeps many reptiles from starving when food becomes scarce. It is really a crucial time when a reptile’s body functions are minimal. Their heart rate slows, they cannot move voluntarily and their body temperature drops to conserve energy. Whether a reptile in captivity needs to hibernate depends on many factors. To ensure the correct process for your pet’s hibernation, consult your vet. Hibernation in Captivity Reptile experts debate the need for captive reptiles to hibernate. Some believe that well-fed reptiles kept indoors do not need to hibernate in order to stay healthy. Others claim that denying hibernation to reptiles interferes with their natural metabolic functions and could shorten their life span. Herpetologists agree that hibernation stimulates mating behavior and is important for fertility. Even animals that do not undertake a full-blown hibernation will simply slow down in the winter months, needing this ‘cool down’ for 2 to 6 weeks before mating. Healthy Hibernation For most reptiles from northern climates, hibernation begins from late October to December and can last up to 8 months. Help your indoor reptile get ready for hibernation by gradually shortening the time they spend in daylight, gradually lowering the temperature in their enclosure and withholding food. Remember, if you are inducing an animal to hibernate, you must cool them very, very slowly over a matter of weeks. It may be helpful to think of the process in terms of a 12-week cycle: 2 weeks of fasting followed by 4 weeks of cooling, followed by 6 weeks of full-blown hibernation. Whether you keep your pet inside or outside, you can help to make sure they awaken from hibernation alert and healthy by following a few simple guidelines. Prepare a safe enclosure. Hibernating reptiles are defenseless against attacks by other animals or the curiosity of children, so make sure their enclosures are secure enough to keep out marauders. Maintain a proper temperature for your reptile. Check with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate temperature range for your reptile. Stop feeding. Your pet needs an empty stomach going into hibernation. They won’t be eliminating waste, so any food left in their stomach will rot, which could prove fatal. Withhold food from at least 8 to 14 days before hibernation to make sure their digestive tract is empty. Monitor regularly. Check your pet frequently during hibernation to make sure they do not get too hot or cold and they are not waking frequently. A reptile that awakens frequently during hibernation is trying to warm up to fight infection or has become hungry because they went into hibernation without adequate fat reserves. If this happens, slowly bring your pet out of hibernation by warming up their body temperature and then give them food and water. Assess their condition carefully and if necessary, consult a vet before allowing them to go back to sleep. The Wake-Up Call Just as humans don’t like to be jarred awake by a blaring radio or strong lights, hibernating reptiles like to wake up slowly. If your reptile is hibernating outdoors, they will start to wake up naturally when the days start growing warmer. If you keep your pet indoors, you must monitor their temperature in their native climate and bring them out of hibernation by gradually warming them up once the temperature exceeds 60º F. Warm-up can take 2 to 3 weeks, during which time your pet will gradually become more active and hungrier. Following these instructions will potentially lead to a longer life for your temperate climate reptile.
Sleeping Reptiles
Article supplied by Clinica Veterinaria El Puerto, Avda Lepanto Nº8, Local 10, Javea. English Spoken. Call: 965 793 551, emergencies 657 823 784.
www.elpuerto-veterinaria.com.
Young Trixie was found in bad condition, malnourished and with a string around her neck. She regained strength quickly and is a very happy and uncomplicated dog. Trixie is great with people, kids and dogs and would fit in any active family. A lovely companion and family member. Contact Jacky: 644 240 982.
www.tanamerajavea.com.
lasthopedogrescue@outlook.com, or call us on 634 065 540.
Jessica is about 6 months old and is a Belgian Shepherd cross, she was rescued from the dog hoarders house and has had a rough start in life, she is a very shy girl and needs a loving home where they will have patience to help her get over her previous abuse. Call: 645 469 253. To view more animals visit
www.petsinspain.com. To advertise an animal for adoption email:
info@petsinspain.info.
Puppies, two girls and two boys, all have been vaccinated. They will be small dogs when fully grown. All ready for their new homes. Torrevieja area. For more information please contact us at Last Hope Dog Rescue, our email is
Punk is a young male kitten about 6 months old who was bought in to the Almoradi shop where he was then taken to our smaller cattery. He is very playful and affectionate and loves to have behind his ears scratched, he is also very talkative. Please contact K9 or phone 600 84 54 20 for more info
www.k9club.es
Nita is a beautiful lady, although sometimes a bit shy. Shelter open every Sunday 10am - 12pm. If you want to adopt a cat, please call Luisa 648 100 629 or visit
www.aldea-felina.es for information on others waiting for adoption. Denia Cat Protection League – Aldea Felina.
I am a girl approximately 18 months old and I am all grown up and stand about 56cm in height.
with all dogs, big and small. I have been spayed and am up-to-date with all my injections. I have my own passport too so I can travel anywhere. Please call Maureen on 966 716 049 or Linda on 965 725 794 or visit our website:
www.animalaidcostablanca.org.
I am a very good girl and am socialised
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