hibernation and aestivation

[Locascio]

Recreating a dry season or winter can be challenging in temperate regions emphasize the temperature changes that naturally occur in the house by moving frogs and toads to a cool location for winter. The temperature should remain constant and not drafty. Abasement, closet, or garage is a good choice but check the temperature first to be certain it does not get to cold, especially at night. At cool temperatures, the metabolism of amphibians slows and they will require less food. Obesity will result if frogs and toads are fed heavily while being cycled through cold conditions photoperiod can be adjusted during a dry or cool period as well, with lights being cut back from 12 hour cycle down to around 8 to 10 hours a day. The length of a simulated winter or dry season is species dependent. For some, several dry weeks are all that’s needed. Others like the African bullfrog (pyxicephalus adspersus) and horned frogs(C.cranwelli) require a two-three-month rest or even aestivation during which the prospective breeders burrow into the substrate of about 6-7 inches and will require little maintenance carefully monitor both the environment and health of the frogs and toads exposed to these harsh conditions you’ll want to get weights on all your frogs when you start the aestivation process then once every 2 weeks to make sure there’s no extreme weight loss. as for the bedding I suggest co-co fiber. it should smell fresh and have no mold the bedding should start slightly damp to begin the process, but do not moisten it as you normally would. Do not mist the substrate during this period. Maintain a drier environment than usual. A water bowl should always be accessible to prevent the frog from dehydrating during this time temperatures should be reduced to 60-70 f and remain in this range for about 2-3 months. This is around normal room temp the frog will not eat during this period so there is no need to offer any food


All information gathered thru my personal experience and provided by the following references.i would also like to thank everyone from the frogforum for all there help and support in making this the best website related to amphibians
Reptile and amphibian parasite: Author Eric M. Rundquist
Frogs and toads: Author Devin Edmonds
Frogs in the aquarium: Author Werner von Filek
Whites tree frogs: Author Phillippe de vosjoli
Horned frogs: Author Phillippe de vosjoli
Tadpole care: Phil Purser
Horned frog care: Allen R. Both
Frogs, Toads, and Tree frogs: Author Bartlett and Bartlett
Tree frogs: Devin Edmonds
American treefrogs: Author Jerry G.Walls
Frogs and toads of the world: Author Chris Mattison
Frogs, toads, salamanders and how they reproduce: Author Dorothy Hinshaw patent
Frogs inside their remarkable world: Author Ellin Beltz
I would highly suggest reading all of these books

[Mercedesherp]

You are so close.
Hank

[DeeDub]

You are so close.
Hank

To what?

[Locascio]

Hank, You say that I am so close, could you ellaborate? What is it that I am lacking in regards to this post?

[Locascio]

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