Care Sheet for Collared LizardsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 0 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 06/19/2009 |
Main Category: | Lizards |
Sub Category: | Collared Lizards |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Snyds911 |
Years Experience: | 10 to 15 Years |
Species: | Collared Lizards |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | All kinds of Collared Lizards including:
Texas Collared Lizard
Western Collared Lizard
Northern Collared Lizard |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Males are generally very colorful (depending on the species) and have broader heads, and usually bigger. Females are usually brown in color with white specks.
Males usually reach about 16" Females 14" |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | These are native to the desert, so it is important to provide a substrate that is dry. I recommend dried out eco earth, or aspen. Do not use cedar- it is toxic. Do not use saw dust as well. Walnut shells or potting soil can be part of it. Newspaper is ok, but the animal itself does not enjoy it.
Provide a water dish that is small but not deep. In the wild, Collared Lizards do not drink often. I recommend 1"-4" deep. They do not need to be misted, and they drink often. |
Lighting and UVB: | Lighting is not hard compared to some species, but it can get hot. They need UV lighting, as they are diurnal, and can get MBD (Metallic Bone Disease) if they do not have it. They also need a heat lamp of some kind. I recommend ceramics, as Collared Lizards need hot temps and ceramics lamps easily bring that. Hiding spots are good. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | A basking spot of 100 degrees F on the hot side with 85-90 degrees on the cool side. Night temps can be brought down to the 70s.
Humidity is not an issue. They usually don’t have it, but a water dish will provide all that’s needed. Do not mist. |
Heating and Equipment: | UV lights
Heat Bulb/Lamp
Water Dish
Hiding Spots
Some kind of bedding.
Climbing spots (not to close to the heat lamp) |
Caging Provided: | I use a 4’X 2’ enclosure for one. It gives the animal plenty of space to move. My enclosure is wooden, so it keeps heat in. I recommend a wooden enclosure of similar dimensions. It is good to have at least 2 hiding spots per lizard. They hide a lot and like to climb. They will climb on top of the hiding spot. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Eats bugs and occasionally mice. I would use worms and crickets, but I like to use roaches if possible. They are very nutritional. Pinkie or fuzzy mice can be offered as a TREAT. Although Collared Lizards aren’t known to be obese, it’s good not feed them mice all the time. I recommend 1-2 a month. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Calcium Powder should be used on crickets and worms, as they are fairly low on the nutritional range. |
Maintenance: | They are fairly low maintenance animals. With just changing the water bowl (every time it is dry), picking up poop, and the occasional bedding change, they really are not to hard to take care of. |
Some Words on this Species: | They are incredibly active, but do tame down with time. If you purchase one, since they are native to the United States, there is a chance that it is wild caught. Avoid lethargic ones. They don’t usually bite or pee on you, but if it does, avoid it. There are some breeders out there. I would ask the pet store. Also, take it to the vet for parasites every once in a while.
They are very rewarding, and make a good beginner lizard. |
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