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I've found a 75 gallon wide glass tank with a screen lid on craigslist. I realize this may present a problem with humidity but would this be OK if I went with a mainland chuck? I like the larger island varieties but I can't afford a SE anyhow---even though they are gorgeous. I think this tank would be too small for a AI but would it work for a mainland var. or would the humidity be too high? I live in Central Texas where it is relatively dry but not anything like Nevada, Arizona, etc. I just don't want to buy it if I'm risking sores or resp. infections. Please let me know ASAP as I'm afraid it will sell pretty quick. Thanks so much in advance for any input!

if it suits you and the price is right go for it. That would be sufficient for a single chuck. Maybe a little crowded for a pair but it would work.

that this tank with the heat bulbs and sand will create a rather dry micro-climate. I am in MI with humid summers and have never had a problem.

Don't know how $100 is for a used 75G tank w/ screened lid, some lamps, bulbs, etc. where you are but it is OK here. (Don't worry, I'll replace any UV bulbs since I don't know how old they are!) I suppose I could wait but used large tanks aren't easy to come by here. I'm going to go see it tomorrow. If anyone wants to tempt me with pictures of a homemade wood and screen version, feel free to post some pictures before I get this. Otherwise, I may have this one sitting in my playroom and it will be too late!
Thanks again for the reply! Habitat is such an important part of keeping these guys that I don't want to mess this up!
k

Welcome!

A few things that I would like to point out...

First, the mainland chucks, S. Ater(Obesus) actually come from a much drier climate than that of their larger island dwelling cousins! You will be fine with any of the chucks!

If you find that any moisture builds up in the cage, you can easily set up a small fan to circulate the air. Wild chucks probably encounter quite a bit of humidity in their burrows, however the surface air is extremely dry. The most important thing to avoid is moist stagnant air. I use a small fan which seems to really stimulate feeding with my duo!

I stongly suggest using 1 UVA 5.0 & 1 UVB 10.0 flourescent light bulb for your new "puffy" friend! I would also stay far away from the screw in type UV lightbulbs. I did a couple of tests and found that the screw in type of UV lightbulbs will quickly cause damage and pain if used at all.

Be wary of wild caught adult chucks S. Ater(Obesus), they can be incredibly hard to establish in captivity. Always try to aquire a captive born specimen, and I would even say go with a yearling, before a baby. Don't be hasty, aquire one from someone here if possible, or a breeder that specializes in them. Chucks have been on the Earth longer than humans! They will be here tomorrow, and the perfect chuck will show up no matter when you are looking for one. Knowledge of their natural habit, and history will make the rewards of owning one as a pet that much better.

I have two chucks S. Ater(Obesus) that are doing well at the moment. One is about 8 inches long tip to tip, and the other is about 17 inches long. The adult male is still quite wary of me. He will eat from my hand, but is not tolerant of me. The younger male had a stubborn eating streak for the first week or so, but now behaves like a store bought green iguana. He will eat anything I hold in front of his face! The adult will only eat weeds, hibiscus, and occasionally will nibble at endive. This is
a pain in the butt!

Whatever type you choose, you'll get any help and support you could possibly need from the great bunch of people here on this forum. I found these "chuckers" LOL back in April or May after getting back into reptiles after taking about 5 years off from the hobby. I've learned a ton here!

Of course, take all of this with a grain of salt if you like, it's just a few pointers that have seemed to work out well for me.

-Kory

Thanks for all the advice. I will wait for the right animal---esp. since my hubby is waffling on me about getting one. I will follow this forum and see what is available. I definitely want a cb and I might do a yearling like you recommend. I had assumed younger was better but I don't want a fragile chuck as my first. I just want a well-adjusted pet. I'm too paranoid to deal with fickle eaters, etc.

Can the fan be a ceiling fan or does it need to be closer? I don't know how I'd get indirect airflow into a tank if only the lid was screened. It seems that many of you employ this strategy so I do want to know how you do it.

Yeah, I know about the humidity differences in the island and mainland chucks. I've actually made a chart comparing the differences in the various types. (I am a dork.) I'm pretty thorough when it comes to researching a pet. I haven't found a good text but there is plenty of info. online if you search enough for it. Thanks for all the help though. The best info I've found has been on this site or the links ya'll provide. Thanks for sharing all your experience with newbies like me!

I use a small fans... 6" that I buy at an electronics store. They are very inexpensive, use very little electricity, and are a snap to install! They also push a lot of air for their size.

I typically cut a hole for each fan in the side of the cage. I then make a frame with wire mesh and cover the hole from the inside of the cage. I then attach the fan on the outside.

I usually try to point the fan at the basking site. It helps to simulate the desert breezes, and I've found that when I do this my chucks will keep themselves inflated more like when they are out in the wild.

BTW, the fans are larger versions of what you would see in a computer. They are in a square black frame. These come in all different sizes, and are really cheap.

-Kory

Thank you so much! That should be easy to do and I'll keep this in mind when choosing/building my tank. I didn't get the tank I wrote about but I'm still hunting! I want to have all the kinks worked out ahead of time though. Ya'll are a wealth of info!