Estivation.

[Truffs1178]

I was reading some threads and someone said that bullfrogs will only live a few years if you dont hibernate them. Is this true? I want mine as long as possible not to die at three years old.

[Lija]

I was reading some threads and someone said that bullfrogs will only live a few years if you dont hibernate them.

false! you don't need to do it unless for breeding and then it is whole different story, just keep the same all year round and you (your frog) will be just fine.

[Truffs1178]

Oh good. I had read that estivation is dangerous if done incorrectly and was terrified that I did it wrong. Thanks.

[GrifTheGreat]

There is no solid evidence that the frog will live longer if Aestivated and in captivity is not necessary unless you plan to breed. Yes it is dangerous if the frog is not old enough or the keeper in not experienced enough, but even an experienced keeper can have premature deaths from a bad Aestivation. It happens.

If your frog does truly want to aestivate though it will. Even if the climate is kept at spring/summer conditions year round. If this happens just let the frog do its thing and don't worry about the climate. The frog will not be able to fully aestivate, but it will take a long rest.

[Truffs1178]

Ok thanks. This is a pretty random question but when do they sleep and how do I tell? He is up all day chillin under some plants and in his bowl croaking all night. His eyes are never closed.

[SCF]

Ok thanks. This is a pretty random question but when do they sleep and how do I tell? He is up all day chillin under some plants and in his bowl croaking all night. His eyes are never closed.

They will close their eyes during aestivation. I remember exactly the user and thread your referring to.

[GrifTheGreat]

They sleep all the time you can't tell because they don't have to actually shut their eyes. Frogs can contract the iris which closes the pupil so that light can be restricted from entering the eye. When the iris is contracted tightly and the frog appears motionless aside from breathing then your frog is asleep.

[Truffs1178]

Ahh. I had a feeling it was that because if they were small and I open up his exo terra his pupils would grow.

[Truffs1178]

They will close their eyes during aestivation. I remember exactly the user and thread your referring to.

This one?

http://www.frogforum.net/african-bul...hibernate.html

[SCF]

Yes, that's the one.