Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I just thought that I'd introduce my self to this forum, because I'm new here. I'm mainly involved with the Carpet Pythons(my passion ). Anyway, I'm geginning to look into Collared Lizards. I've done some research on the internet, but I've found TONS of conflicting information, and wanted to get it all set strait. My main concerns are caging and diet. I've got a 30 gallon Aqairum, and was thinking that I could probably get a pair in. Would that suffice? Also, Are there feeding demands really high maintnance? I'm used to the conveniance of frozen foods used for snakes, and don't want to have and pick up crickets all of the time. If you could just give me some general information, I'd really appreciate it. Any ways, thanks for your time! I really appreciate it.
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Collin

If you do not like replenishing the food stock, then you may want to go with a different lizard. Collareds do consume a good amount of food and will have you ordering more and more crickets. What has made this less of a hassle for me, is the internet. I can now save tons of money by ordering online, and have 5 times more than I need. So...crickets will last you some time longer than the typical run down to the pet shop for a dozen for a dollor. I normall get about 1000 for $15 or so. Also the superworms, will last forever and a day...also provided their general needs are met.

During the winter, you are allowed a nice break from feeding. For example. I have four lizards in brumation that have not dipped into my budget since Novemember...no feeding/no cage clening...just the occassional pat on the head and kiss poo's LOL

At any rate...when it comes down to it, it is best to think and rethink whether or not you can meet those requirements of feeding. It really is not as easy as popping a frozen rodent in the sink for an hour...Cleaning is probably a bit easier though...I've seen few messy snake cages in my time ;P

Just my thoughts.

John Eddington

Thanks for your help. I doubt that I'd get anymore than a good trio, unless I grew to like them alot. I hear that the adults can occaisonally be fed pink mice, and vegitable fare. What exactly do you feed yours? I'd like some detailed diet information. How much is it to get crickets shipped? I wish that they'd accept F/T crickets. . .lol. Anyways, sorry for all of the questions, but i'm still interestd. I think that I may be able to get used to the diet regimin(sp?). Like I said before, I've found alot of conflicting info on the internet, so I'm looking for what you experienced keepers have to say. Thanks again!!
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Collin

At least not when it comes to me and my filter sand (inside joke). Honestly, I think you would enjoy a trio of nice collareds. They are very active as opposed to most lizards, and really develop a personality. Some of mine run over to the glass when they see me enter the room..."john = food"

I think I pay $15.00 for several crickets (500-1000), and that does include shipping, so not a big deal. Probably much, much cheaper that rodents. Yea, they will eat pinkies, but you may have some difficulties getting them to take f/t food as opposed to something moving. I'm sure if they liked them, you could definately switch to f/t at a later time.

I try to feed a variety of insects to my lizards. The staple diet consists of crickets that have been powdered with some sort of reptile supplement (take your pick these days). I try to used vitamins/minerals at most feeding, taking care to increase calcium during the pre-breeding/breeding, and late season feedings. None of my lizards have taken a liking to vegetation at all, but I hear some will take some greens or flowers.

As long as the basic requirements are met, I think you will have no time at all with them. Sand, heat/light, water, hide, and some good floor space. That's about it for now.

John Eddington

Collareds are great, you will love them, come in every shade under the sun. And are friendly and fun to watch !

Stick around, most of the people are great too, just watch this JOHN EDDINGTON GUY ! (kidding)

Eve

conflicting info makes research hard, I always have to sit back and think for myself... (LOL)
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Let there be Lizardz
- Scott

hahhahahahah welcome back buddy!!!!!! ;E

Eve

I'm okay feeding crickets. My only problem would have been having to go to the store and buy them. Since they can be shipped, that's fine(and it's cheap to ship!! with F/T rodents for the snakes, the shipping is REALLY expensive, but still worth it for the large collection. . .which I don't)! I'd been cruising on here for a couple of days before I had posted this, and really like the aquaflame, and the "plain green" Collareds. Again, thanks for the info!!
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Collin

John Eddington