For the Plated Lizard, I would recommend cypress mulch for a substrate. I've been keeping Plateds on cypress for years and have found it to work just fine whether they stay on top [G. major] or burrow under [G. validus, G. nigrolineatus]. Also, I wouldn't get too elaborate making a recirculating water bowl. Just because he hasn't defecated in it yet doesn't mean he won't. All Plated Lizards I've ever kept have defecated in their water bowls at some point, some do it more than others though. A built-in elaborate recirculating water bowl is going to be difficult to keep clean. Even recirculating water bowls will develop bacterial slime inside them. I would just go for the old-fashioned remove, rinse, replace. As for size, since Plateds are mostly terrestrial with very little climbing, except on rock ledges, I would go with as large a foot print for your cage as possible.
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Matt Campbell

Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House

Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois



Assistant Curator

Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, Illinois

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