Estivation question

[DesertHeat]

I keep the temps in my house fairly consistent year round and as a result the temps in the enclosure remain constant. It's it ok to skip estivation or should I lower the temps and let my little guy take a winter nap?

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

[Jakub Urbanski]

Even if you are not planning any breeding, estivation seems to be crucial.

[GrifTheGreat]

I keep the temps in my house fairly consistent year round and as a result the temps in the enclosure remain constant. It's it ok to skip estivation or should I lower the temps and let my little guy take a winter nap?

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

You do not have to Aestivate your frogs. There is no documented extended lifespan whether you do or don't. It is not necessary unless you plan to breed.

[Jakub Urbanski]

Well, from my personal experience I can tell that frogs being estivated tend to be stronger and less prone to disease...

[Lija]

It is not possible to prove or even to state that aestivation will make them less prone to decease or be stronger, too many variables involved. To date it is not documented that aestivation have any impact on well being of a frogs or their immunity and honestly I doubt it will ever be.

Dangers of aestivation if done not correctly is far greater then possible positive impact if any. There is no need to subject a frog to this unless for breeding. Breeders usually know what they are doing. However I suggest to keep eye on frogs clues, if it wants to eat less, or sleep, let it be, but maintain temps and humidity on a same level. This way sometimes they may rest a little, but won't go into actual aestivation.

[Mentat]

Well, from my personal experience I can tell that frogs being estivated tend to be stronger and less prone to disease...

Interesting statement! How do you measure "stronger," which myself take it to mean "healthier." Also, what diseases are we talking about? Please do share your observations with us, since being a breeder you do have lots of frogs to draw data from.

... Dangers of aestivation if done not correctly is far greater then possible positive impact if any....

Totally agree with Lija's statement. This forum has many cases of frog owners calling for help when they tried to estivate their frogs and it went deadly wrong. Estivation is for experienced breeders that know what they are doing and can control the temperature, humidity and photoperiod variables to extent required.

[Namio]

Hi desertheat, to answer your question I totally agree with Grif, Lija, and Carlos that You wouldn't have to estivate your frog. On a side note, I agree with Carlos that Jakub has made some intriguing statements regarding his experience relating to estivation and better immune system (?). I'm too hoping Jakub would touch more on that subject.

[DesertHeat]

Thank you everyone. Given that I'm new to this I think I'll keep things constant for now. I don't want to inadvertently harm Fergie due to my inexperience.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

[mfj7777]

Hey there... I would like to ask smthg since were on the topic... Does aestivation stimulate the formation of nuptial pads?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GrifTheGreat]

Hey there... I would like to ask smthg since were on the topic... Does aestivation stimulate the formation of nuptial pads?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No. Nuptial pads appear once the male reaches sexual maturity. While the male may be sexualy mature when the pads appear he will not be old enough or large enough to safely breed without becoming a possible snack for a uninterested female or other larger rival male.

[mfj7777]

Wow thanks...