Care Sheet for Alligator LizardsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 4.60 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 04/02/2009 |
Main Category: | Lizards |
Sub Category: | Alligator Lizards |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Glipglup |
Years Experience: | 3 to 5 Years |
Species: | Southern Alligator Lizard |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Western Fence Lizard ( Blue Belly) |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Alligator lizards are generally easy to tell. Males have a dull, sometimes not very distinct stripe pattern and dull coloration. Males have a more triangular head than the females, and may display sex organs when they are caught. Females have bright, distinct coloration and stripe patterns. Females have a thinner body. |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | In a fish tank that can contain 15- 20 gallons of water, put a layer of dirt or potting soil at the bottom that’s about 2 inches high. With a spray bottle, spray water on the dirt or potting soil until it is moist to the touch ( but not soaked). A shallow dish of water is perfect for the lizard to drink. Also, I like to plant plants in the cage and arrange rocks on the soil, but it isn’t necessary. |
Lighting and UVB: | A heat lamp is the best way to go, I suggest a 60 watt to 80 watt bulb. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | In the warmest area of the cage, it should be 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, but leave an area of no heat so the lizard can move to this area to cool down if needed. |
Heating and Equipment: | A heat lamp with a 60-80 watt bulb should be placed above the cage. Remember to turn it off at night so the lizard can rest. A heating pad would be okay, but a heat lamp is the best. |
Caging Provided: | A 20 gallon fish tank. Western fence lizards are great with alligator lizards! |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Crickets, bird eggs, worms and caterpillars that move a lot make great meals. Dust the meal with a vitamin or calcium powder. If some meals refuse to move, attach the meal to a strand of hair or a transparent string. Then dangle the food in front of the lizard’s face. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Calcium supplement powder with no phosphorus should be dusted on food. |
Maintenance: | Mites and ticks are BAD!
To remove mites:
This process, when repeated, will drown and kill mites.
-Soak the lizard in water for 8 to 10 minutes, MAKE SURE IT CAN BREATHE!
- Remove it from the water and place your pet in some olive oil.
To remove ticks:
- Remove the ticks with tweezers (be gentle). |
Some Words on this Species: | - These lizards can bite, and they bite hard!
- They are found in local pet shops.
- In the wild they are found in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington. |
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