Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site, and I have a question. I've had my mali, Scooter, for atleast 6 years now. Im not sure exactly how old he is because the pet store I bought him at wasn’t sure of his age and he wasn’t a baby when I purchased him. I'd guess he's about 7-8 inches long, I keep him in a 30-long tank with the basking end at 120 degrees with a half-log under neath for him to lay under or get on top of if he wants (he does both), and the "cool" end is usually about 80-85 degrees. At night my house is about 65-70 degrees. He eats a mix of escarole and chicory (this is his favorite greens) and a dish of dried split peas and lentils to snack on. He's been doing great all this time up till now, when for the past week ATLEAST he hasn’t come out of his hide box, not even to eat. I lifted the hide box just to see if he's ok, and his eyes are open, he just wont come out. Is this normal? I know there's a change of season going on now, but something is just telling me its not normal. Can anyone please give me any input? Im lucky enough to work next door to his veterinarian, but its very expensive to bring him there, not to mention I'm afraid being that its getting cold and they're so heat sensitive.

Thanks!

~Scooter's mom

Has he ever brumated before? A week isn't that long for him not to eat. He seems kind of small though for that age. I would recommend varying his diet a lot more . If he is healthy and has a lot of fat storage in his tail I wouldn't worry yet. I've had mine go off food for a few weeks or more.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

Hi,

Does brumating mean the same as hibernating? If so, then yes, he's sort of hidden out for a few days at a time, but never anything like this. Its been more than a week, just not sure how much longer. I'm not sure how to tell how much fat storage is in his tail, but I can say that he has a very big looking bulgy belly.

Also, regarding the diet: Is it ok to change his diet and add more things to it after all this time? Sometimes I give him snowpeas to snack on or dandelions when they're in season. What else could I give him to make him happy?

I don't see why he would brumate now if he's never done it before. Brumating is different than hibernating. Brumating they basically sleep most of the day and may come out midday to bask briefly. This usually lasts 2 -3 months. Most owners don't need to brumate their Uros unless they wish to breed them. As there is a certain risk to their health. I'd say keep an eye on him for a week or so and see what happens. But I'm not there as you are and you know your Uro better than anyone else. If you think he looks sick or in poor health then I would get a vet checkup.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

yeah, I just have a feeling he's not feeling well. He just doesnt look the same and doesnt have anywhere near the spunk he usually does. Im definately going to let the vet have a look at him.

You mentioned that his belly was fat. When was the last time he had a bowel movement? If he is constipated he may become lethargic and not want to eat.

u have had him for 6 years and he is only 7 inches? i thought that malis get up to 10-14 inchs by year 3? anyway whats the update has he come out?