I put my lizards in a refrigerator 3 months ago, and today I take them out. In order to trigger breeding in these Madrean alligator lizards (Elgaria kingii) I need to put them in brumation. Brumation is a reptiles version of hibernation where they basically don’t move much and wait for spring. They never truly “fall asleep” but their heart rate, breathing, and metabolism slow down and use nearly zero energy. Naturally, with the change of seasons, they would go under ground and prepare for winter. Since these lizards are in captivity, I have to artificially create winter. Without putting the lizards into brumation, they wouldn’t know it’s spring (once winter is over), and wouldn’t know it’s time to make more babies. I do not feed them 2 weeks before brumation, to totally flush out their systems since any food left would go undigested in the cold temperatures and would essentially rot in their bodies. Once off of food and ready to go, I drop them down to about 55-50 degrees Fahrenheit. They stayed at this temperature for 3 months. In nature, they may get much cooler, but it’s not necessary to get them much colder as it can get risky. And low 50s is enough for them to get the memo it’s time to snooze! Once out, I’ll warm them back up over the course of a week or two and put them on a heavy feeding schedule to fatten up the girls for egg laying! Let’s hope for some eggs and babies soon! #HerpTime #reptile #lizard