The Griseus are prone to stress. Such as keeping more then one together other then for breeding. Raising two hatchlings
together can cause one or both stress that leads to depression(as in lower pic right). In turn this disrupts there life
cycle as far as shedding and feeding. Without completion of there yearly cycle death can likely occur. Also a compatible pair
introduced together can thrive together without problems. But always pay attention to signs for a problem, such as less feeding
and or excessive hiding. In my pair after second shed was complete they go off food entirely and prepare for hibernation.
Usally this is around late Aug.-Sept. At this time light cycles must be changed to allow cooling of the encloser. I keep lights
on for 2-3 hours per day with lower wattage bulbs and by October temps should be cooled further around 60deg. to
allow complete hibernation as they are considerd a obligatory hibernator. This is vital to there health without this a quick
decline and death may occur. There are other theories on this but my pair went dormant on there own whithout my aid of
reducing temps or adjusting light cycle. Solely there choice.
January and Febuary is the start of activity such as
more basking . Temps should gradualy be increased and daylight hours increased as well. Come March they will resume active
behaviour and will be feeding quite heavy by the end of this month. Temps should be brought up to normal conditions and
light cycle brought to normal as well. Allow them there privacy without interuption at this time.April will bring there
first shed and possibly a short span off food until first shed is complete. Months stated can differ by a few weeks either
way.
2/26/04 marks the day they emerged for there first complete season. There regular habits have began as well
as there feeding binges. Strange is there tastes have changed since they were down. Male loves live rat pups and cant get
enough cricketts. Female has eaten prekilled mice for the first time as well as rat pups and like the male loves cricketts.
Also I increased humidity and temps to get them going. I may have kept them too dry during the winter, so keep that in mind
when planning there encloser.
