Reptile Care in Winter
, 2 min reading time
Reptiles are cold-blooded and easily affected by changes in the temperature of their environment. As winter is colder, drier and less sunny than the warmer seasons, here are a few things to look out for to ensure your pet is not affected by the change in season.
Staying Warm
Keeping a heat lamp over your reptile’s tank is especially important in winter. Position your lamp to one side of the tank so you can create a warmer and cooler side. A temperature gradient tank mimics the variation in temperature that would occur in your reptile’s natural habitat. This way your reptile can move freely to either side to cool down or warm up.
Set your heat lamp to the maximum temperature within your reptile’s optimal temperature range, remembering that each reptile will require a different temperature to stay happy and healthy. Keep your cooler side to the minimum temperature of their optimal temperature range. Using a temperature gun will help to ensure that the temperatures are stable for your reptile. It is important to continually monitor your tank temperature, particularly throughout winter.
How to Tell if Your Reptile is Cold
Your reptile will naturally be more lethargic in winter. Additionally, they may not eat for extended periods of time. This is a natural process called brumation, a state of dormancy to conserve energy.
However, if you notice any of the following signs, these
are not normal and should be addressed with your vet.
- Weight loss (look for wrinkled skin and/or a prominent spine)
- Dehydration (look for incomplete shedding of the skin and sunken or closed eyes)
Humidity
Our relatively dry Australian climate in winter, plus the use of indoor heating systems, can mean your home is drier in winter. Your reptile needs humidity to keep their skin hydrated. You can expose your reptile to humidity by misting them three to five times with water from a spray bottle or soaking them in a shallow bowl of water daily. It is also a great idea to include a shallow water dish in their tank that they can crawl into.
Staying Warm
Reptiles need UV to formulate vitamin D so they can absorb calcium and phosphorus from their food. Position a UV light specially designed for reptiles over their tank for 10-12 hours a day so that they can consume the UV they need to thrive. The onset of winter is a great time to check if your UV light needs replacing, as most UV lights need to be replaced around every 6-12 months.