Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,

I have a few collared lizards on the way. These are my first collareds, although I've kept other lizards and many snakes. I can't wait to learn what a collared lizrd's personality is like!

I have a 70 gallon tank all set up with everything just right, based on all that I've read. My question is about what is best once the lizards arrive. I'm getting four lizards. One male and three females. If they get along, I will keep them all together in the seventy gallon tank most of the time, but I have a few other spare tanks I can use for different groupings if necessary.

I have read that it is a good idea to quarantine them after they arrive. How long should I do that? If I quarantine them, they will be divided up into a few smaller spare tanks because that's what I have. Would this be stressfull? or would it be better to just introduce them directly into the more spacious 70 gallon tank with good temps and light, etc.? More important, I've read that it might be a good idea to treat them for mites, whether I see mites or not. I plan to keep them on paper towels initially so that mites might be visible. I've read that a good treatment for mites is to swab them with diluted betadine, and then rinse them off. Is this a good idea? or would you recommend something else. I've been told by some that comercial mite products from pet stores are not very effective.

I've also considered whether I should have them treated for parasites, with panacure. Should I do that, regardless, or should I wait and see if they do well and not worry about it. My concern is not to overly stress the animals beyond what they will have already had from moving and going into an unfamiliar new place.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Hayseed

1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.3 Corn Snakes
1.0 Ball Python
2.2 Leopard Geckos

Hi, if your foursome are coming from the same person/place they are all fine with each other, only quarenteen from animals you already have, incase these have any parasites or health issues that may harm your other lizards.

They should all get along since you have 1 male and 3 females. Male will be quite happy, lol.

As far as checking for mites, GOOD MOVE, I love to hear that it is so important.
Give them the mite check, get a magnifying glass, some olive oil, baby oil, mineral oil and turn one over (it's easier to see on their white tummy) and smear the oil on rub it around and then wait a few moments/mins. and look with your magnifyimg glass to see if any tiny black/ reddish/ tannish nasty buggers appear. If they do give the lizards a light coating of oil and wash the next day, repeat this as nessesary.

That is one way that's old and true. I think it works if you only have a FEW lizards to treat. Always keep your cleaned and wiped out often if they have mites. Wash all furniture often as well. Paper towels are great for awhile, yes.
Some use the reptile relief and think it's okay, it may be good also for a few lizards it was not sufficent for MANY MANY when I got nailed with snake mites. :0(

The bentidine is a wonderful thing to have in your lizard medicine chest for all kinds of cuts, burns, soakings, but as far as mites it is used mainly to help if they have recieved bites/sores from them, to soak in.

Others may want to chime in, just holler with anything you may like to ask. or tell us things, and post any pics of any of your critters you would like to share, we love pics too. If they are not collareds just put OT/ off topic in your subjuct line and entertain us! Like this OT/ my dogie

Enjoy the forum
Collareds/ care, and More

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PHEve / Eve