Aestivation Questions.

[GrifTheGreat]

How old till they start?
Do all pixies aestivate?
How do you know when they are?

They will try at any age if the climate conditions are too dry and cool, but most once they near 1 year of age may start if their internal instincts kick in. They do need a rest from time to time so they will aestivate in order to get this rest. Sometimes it can be long term and be anywhere from 1 month to 8 months, but most in captivity are shorter depending on the keeper's husbandry skills.

Most will go down for a week or two maybe only a couple days and there is nothing to worry about.

You will know when the frog tries to aestivate because it will burrow down deep in the substrate and not come out to feed or bathe for a period of time. Don't panic when this happens. The frog will be fine just check on it now and then to be sure it is breathing and not too dry. The substrate must never dry all the way. During short term aestivation the frog may not produce a full cocoon around itself because water and fat loss will be minimal, but during long term aestivation the frog will shed several layers of skin and mucus forming a epithelial sack or cocoon covering the entire body except the nostrils.

This natural behavior can be brought on by the keeper or the frog may do it on it's own. No frog under 1 year of age should be aestivated for safety reasons. Immature frogs can die easily and inexperienced keepers should not attempt to simulate the seasonal changes that bring on the need for aestivation because the frog's life is a risk, but if you wish to do so be sure that you research how to aestivate your frog properly.

Not all will aestivate for long term, but at some point your frog will dig down and aestivate for a period of time. Even if the climate conditions are kept correctly in the simulation of spring and summer they may still feel the need at some point to go under. It is natural behavior.

[GRABibus]

I had some days ago a discussion with a famous vet in France competent in amphibians. He is the vet of the most known Zoo in France.
I asked him if it is normal that my Pyxie is burried 90% of the time and that if I don't exit her from substrate, she never comes out.
He told me that it is completely normal behaviour, even excessive burrowing for long time period.
In nature, they are out only for breeding and excessive feeding at rainy period (For 2 or 3 months) and spend most of the time under for the remaining months of the year.

The fact that they are "eating machines" when they are out is only to prepare a long diet period when burried for months.

[SCF]

Very nice response Grif.

Grabius, I'm experiencing the same with one of my females, how often do you dig her up? I only ask because I worry she will have "gut rot" burrowing with a full stomach.

[GRABibus]

Hi SCF.

She went under from mid October 2012.
I decided to dig her up mid of March 2013. So 5 months after.
If you keep the substrate moist, normally she doesn't estivate. If she went under with full stomach, then she would defecate under the substrate. In this case, you have to clean it rapidly.
If she went under with empty stomach (As mine since 3 weeks now), according to me, you can dig her up each 3 or 4 months to clean the enclosure and to feed her. You have to check periodically alos if everything is going well.
This is what I do since one year without any issue until now.
Of course, you have to feed her a lot when she is out and manage the defecation. With mine who is constipated a lot, it is not easy !

[SCF]

Some good posts here, thnx guys/girls! I hope some others chime in.

[GrifTheGreat]

Very good job GRABibus! I'm very glad to here she is still doing well after her first full aestivation. I'm hoping each time she goes under that it is successful.

[GRABibus]

Thanks.
I am hoping too....
In fact, we must trust "Mother Nature" and let her do her job