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Mental1   Aliceinwl  
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 #1674823


Mental1
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 Caught Alli Lizard. Need Info.

i caught this alligator lizard not too long ago and i was just trying to find out a couple things. to start off, i want to know what kind it is and if i could find out as well its gender( im pretty sure im gonna need to take another picture for this). also, what kind of ligh bulb should i get for it? im not sure about the temperature for this critter. thanks.



03/25/08  01:31am

 #1675728


Aliceinwl
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   Message To: Mental1   In reference to Message Id: 1674823


 Caught Alli Lizard. Need Info.

It’s a southern alligator lizard: Elgaria multicarinata

For proper care you’ll need:

20 gallon tank

UVB producing fluorescent

50 watt spot light (you’ll need a basking site 95-100); you may be able to get by without this but they do enjoy a warm spot to bask on occasion

Digital thermometer with probe or temp gun to make sure you have the right temps (basking site of 95-100 and temps in the low to mid 70s in the rest of the tank)

Repti-bark substrate or one of the coconut fiber types (I find the coconut fiber a bit too dusty)

water bowl (you may need to mist until it learns to recognize the bowl)

hides

calcium supplement with vitamin D3

crickets (they should be gut loaded with a nutritious diet such as fish flakes and orange or carrot slices for 24 hours before they’re dusted with calcium and offered to your lizard)

Since you have a wild caught adult I’d recommend quarantining in a large critter keeper, with paper towel substrate, a water bowl and a hide for at least 2 weeks. Apply a thin coat of vegetable oil (make sure you don’t get it in the eyes or nose) to smother any mites it may have. Check for mites and ticks regularly and remove any you find. If you find mites, re-oil every 3 days until the lizard is mite free for at least a week. Then, place it in its permanent tank.

For sexing, a picture shot straight down on the dorsal side would be the most helpful (we need to see head shape).
03/25/08  08:44pm


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