What is hibernation? The extended sleep period known as hibernation is a survival mechanism that keeps many reptiles from starving when food becomes scarce. Often depicted as a cozy winter nap, it's really a crucial time when a reptile's body functions are minimal. Her heart rate slows, she can't move voluntarily and her body temperature drops to conserve energy.

True hibernation occurs in cooler climates. In tropical and desert regions, reptiles don't hibernate, but they occasionally become sluggish and will burrow during periods when water is at a premium. Whether a reptile in captivity needs to hibernate depends on many factors. To ensure the correct process for your pet's hibernation, consult an exotic veterinarian.

Hibernation in Captivity

Reptile experts debate the need for captive reptiles to hibernate. Some believe that well-fed reptiles kept indoors don't need to hibernate in order to stay healthy. Others claim that denying hibernation to reptiles interferes with their natural metabolic functions and could shorten their life span. Herpetologists agree that hibernation stimulates mating behavior and is important for fertility. Even animals that don't undertake a full-blown hibernation, like Gila Monsters, will simply slow down in the winter months, needing this 'cool down' for two to six weeks before mating.

Healthy Hibernation

For most reptiles from northern climates, hibernation begins from late October to December and can last up to eight months. You'll have to help your indoor reptile get ready for hibernation by gradually shortening the time he spends in daylight, gradually lowering the temperature in his enclosure and withholding food. But remember, if you are inducing an animal to hibernate, you must cool him very, very slowly over a matter of weeks. It may be helpful to think of the process in terms of a 12-week cycle: two weeks of fasting followed by four weeks of cooling, followed by six weeks of full-blown hibernation.

And whether you keep your pet inside or outside, you can help to make sure he awakens from hibernation alert and healthy by following a few simple guidelines. Prepare a safe enclosure. Hibernating reptiles are defenseless against attacks by other animals or the curiosity of children, so make sure their enclosures are secure enough to keep out marauders.

Maintain proper temperature for your reptile. Check with an exotic veterinarian to determine the appropriate temperature range for your reptile. Stop feeding. Your pet needs an empty stomach going into hibernation. He won't be eliminating waste so any food left in his stomach will rot, which could prove fatal. Withhold food from at least 8 to 14 days before hibernation to make sure his digestive tract is empty.

Monitor regularly. Check your pet frequently during hibernation to make sure he doesn't get too hot or cold and he's not waking frequently. A reptile that awakens frequently during hibernation is trying to warm up to fight infection or has become hungry because he went into hibernation without adequate fat reserves. If this happens, slowly bring your pet out of hibernation by warming up his body temperature and then give him food and water. Assess his condition carefully and if necessary, consult a vet before allowing him to go back to sleep.

The Wake-Up Call

Just as you don't like to be jarred awake by a blaring radio or strong lights, hibernating reptiles like to wake up slowly. If your reptile is hibernating outdoors, he'll start to wake up naturally when the days start growing warmer. If you keep your pet indoors, you must monitor the temperature in his native climate and bring him out of hibernation by gradually warming him up once the temperature exceeds 60º F. Warm-up can take two to three weeks, during which time your pet will gradually become more active and hungrier. Following these instructions will potentially lead to a longer life for your temperate climate reptile.