Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well I have had this guy for a few months now, but I do not want to take a chance with him getting sick from improper living conditions.

I was hopping some people here can help with making him a nice enclosure. I need heat temps, amout of substraight, what kind of substraight, how many rocks to put in there, ect.

He is currently in a 20 long (30 inches long 1 foot tall 1 foot wide) and I cannot get a larger cage unless I would swich the bearded dragon with this guys cage.

I would realy appreciate help!!!

Thanks!

Ohh, here is a pic:

Researching the pages here will give ya everything you need.I might be way off base here,(which I am sure someone will let me know).In the pict, the lower jaw seems protruded some.Is the HL getting supplements at all?How much real sunshine does he get?In lizards that get to little calcium/sunshine they can develop bone disease.(body takes calcium from bones,because liz is not getting enough from food/supplements.This leads to Metabolic bone disease.It's easier to prevent than cure,or bring them back from.Not sure about temps for hernandesi.Are your lights sufficient for UVA,UVB??Distance from bulb to reptile is critical,to close 6"/10",not good,to far is worse.14 to 18 inches i believe is best,depending on the strength/temp of the bulb.20 min of direct sun a day is great,not in the aquarium,it will cook them.In a more open wire cage,not to block the sun to much.I put mine in a wire cage,half in the sun,half shade.Preferable where ants are,to let them eat a few.good luck,scott.

Thanks for the help!

Yes it is proper lighting for him. And it is that distance you said was correst, so everything there is ok.

Should I calciumize the ants?

I take him outside once a week, cause he tries to run away. Should I take him out more?

Thanks!

The SHL's appearence is fine. There is no sign of metabolic bone disease or disorder. What are the specifics of the diet in the captive environment? Where was the SHL captured?

Lester G. Milroy III
Conservation Biologist
Horned Lizard Research and Conservation

Ok good, glad he is not sick!!! Should I still calciumize the ants?

I feed him mostly harvester ants, and partly mealworms. Every once in a while, I give him crickets which he chases after!!! lol

Is there something different I need to do? I am here to improve conditions of this little guy.

Thanks you for your help!

Well, I would just like to say I found him shedding last night. I put him in the sink with warm water so he can shed easyer.

There is no need to use calcium supplements. If you follow the ant diet and a slight variation with other insect prey items and natural sunlight, the HL will do fine. Watch the temps. I would also recommend not using mealworms. They are a major cause of impacted colon problems.

Lester G. Milroy III
Conservation Biologist
Horned Lizard Research and Conservation