Whose frogs are sleeping?

[GrifTheGreat]

Hi, my 6 month old male burrowed under his half log about two weeks ago. He has moved out all the substrate and is literally just sitting under the log. Temps and humidity haven't changed so I'm assuming he just needs to check out for a while. My question is, should I put some food in there for him or just wait until he comes out himself?

You can do either. That is up to you, but if he is truly aestivating he will not eat.

[maxQ]

Here's Lucy, she is actually pissed off at me because I dug her up to make sure she was still breathing. LOL

[Sheldon92024]

You can do either. That is up to you, but if he is truly aestivating he will not eat.

He ate a large hisser I put right in front of the log. He didn't come out after it, but waited until it was coming in the burrow to eat it. How often should I offer him food if he's not coming out looking for it? He's six months old and six inches snout to vent. This is my first pyxi so I'm still learning. Thanks!

[GrifTheGreat]

He ate a large hisser I put right in front of the log. He didn't come out after it, but waited until it was coming in the burrow to eat it. How often should I offer him food if he's not coming out looking for it? He's six months old and six inches snout to vent. This is my first pyxi so I'm still learning. Thanks!

You can feed him every 2 or 3 days.

[Cap10Squirty]

I guess I am confused on the whole aestivation process then...Is true aestivation when the bullfrog forms the water tight sac around itself or is that just a special case scenario for when things start to dry out? My frog, Karagga, spends a few days under then a few days in the pond, then back under.

Anyway, I'm looking for a good hide for my frog as it (still some questioning about gender) likes to burrow but not all the time right in the middle of the substrate - instead it's trying to wedge between a wall and its water dish which turns out to be too tight of a space. I would like to offer a hide in the case it does want to get away but stay on top of the soil.

Colleen/Jerrod - the cave that you have for your big boy is it an exo terra? There are a few sizes of that brand - I think a medium would work best for my frog.

[GrifTheGreat]

I guess I am confused on the whole aestivation process then...Is true aestivation when the bullfrog forms the water tight sac around itself or is that just a special case scenario for when things start to dry out? My frog, Karagga, spends a few days under then a few days in the pond, then back under.

Anyway, I'm looking for a good hide for my frog as it (still some questioning about gender) likes to burrow but not all the time right in the middle of the substrate - instead it's trying to wedge between a wall and its water dish which turns out to be too tight of a space. I would like to offer a hide in the case it does want to get away but stay on top of the soil.

Colleen/Jerrod - the cave that you have for your big boy is it an exo terra? There are a few sizes of that brand - I think a medium would work best for my frog.

Yes true Aestivation is when the frog sheds several layers of skin and mucus to form a epithelial sac to retain moisture during periods of draught. They slow their metabolism way down and shut down some bodily functions during this period of dormancy. It is very different then a period of rest when the correct climate levels are maintained. They can still slow their metabolism, but not shut down entirely.

Yes it is an Exo Terra. Works very well and Günther loves it.

[Cap10Squirty]

Yes true Aestivation is when the frog sheds several layers of skin and mucus to form a epithelial sac to retain moisture during periods of draught. They slow their metabolism way down and shut down some bodily functions during this period of dormancy. It is very different then a period of rest when the correct climate levels are maintained. They can still slow their metabolism, but not shut down entirely.

Yes it is an Exo Terra. Works very well and Günther loves it.

Thanks that is what I was thinking...so when the OP asks who's frog's are sleeping...there is a good chance that most are if just referring to being underground or hiding

[GrifTheGreat]

Thanks that is what I was thinking...so when the OP asks who's frog's are sleeping...there is a good chance that most are if just referring to being underground or hiding

Yes. Most never actually Aestivate in captivity. They do go through little mini Aestivations, but never fully go dormant. Breeders will sometimes Brumate their frogs to prepare them for breeding in the spring and they do actually induce a dry season dormancy or winter dormancy period.