Question about brumation

[nir]

Hello,

I have a mature pair of S. s. salamandra. They are quite fat right now. I would like to breed them and for that, I understand they must be brumated at temperatures quite low.

First, they have never been brumated in my possession and I have had them for three years.

My first question is, can I brumate them trough out the summer (for 2 months, june + july)? I don't see why not, but I'd still like to have the experienced breeders opinions. If I do this, it is convenient as it permits me to make them skip the two hottest months of the year where I have a little hard time keeping temperatures low.

My second question is, when you guys brumate, do you store your salamanders in the fridge at 4-5 C like I have seen suggested in some litterature? If so, do you acclimate your salamanders gradually at such temperatures? Or do you put them directly in the frigde??

Thanks alot for anyone who takes the time to answer my questions!!

 

[nir]

No body has any idea's... Not even an opinion...

 

[Steve Roman]

In the past I have cooled down S.s. teristris to only about 40-50'F with success. I only cooled them during the winter months, Dec-Feb. Remember that breeding times among the various populations of Salamandra varies as the species is quite far ranging. With Salamandra salamandra light periodicity issues also may be involved that could affect your success. Some of our European members should be able to advise you better on these issues.