Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently got a golden agama, no idea on the age or sex. Haven't measured him yet, but he's probably about 8 inches. Got him from a family who decided he was too jumpy for them. I found some info online (the things on the first 10 pages of Google when you do a search for them, I've read it all already). I am looking for some information from someone who has actually kept one?

Some of the info online says to feed them greens and insects/worms. Some sites say they are carnivores only. I have 2 beardies, so the habitat is set up alot like a beardies, with a basking spot topping out at around 95 right now, cooler area around 80, uvb light, branches, a plant a log and a hammock to climb on. I plan on getting some more climby stuff soon. The tank is a 29 gallon now, probably will upgrade to a 40 gallon before long, as he runs and jumps like mad.

My main concern is food, which is why I need advice from someone who has or had one. Right now I've been giving him crickets, but during the winter especially crickets are really hard to get here, both at petstores and thru the mail (breeding them is not an option, I live in an apartment and have small kids and just dont' wanna deal with crickets all over all the time) Are there types of worms they shouldn't have? (like beardies generally don't eat meal worms due to the fact they are crunchier/harder)

Any information would be much appreciated!! Also, do they have the same issues with eating sand as beardies? Right now he is on tile, which works fine, I'm just curious.

I assume that the golden agama you speak of is Laudakia stellio brachydactyla, the most common lizard refered to as the golden agama. L. stellio is a primarily insectivorous lizard which when healthy is a voracious feeder. In the wild they will also consume small vertebrates. In captivity about 85% of the diet can be made up of insects (primarily crickets,cockroaches, and field plankton, occasionaly a mealworm or two). Although many newer imports refuse vegetables the diet of long term captives will consume fruits such as mango, papaya, and fig. They generally do not like greens unless mixed with fruits.