Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi folks,
I have a 4 year old alligator lizard. He's my baby. We had him in a small tank and just recently switched him over to a longer more roomier tank. He seems to be scared and skiddish now, I feel like I can't handle him as easy anymore??
Any clues??
thanx,
MJ

Hi there,
I had this happen with a Banded Gecko once.
I had him in a five gallon, and I could let him crawl
on my hand, then when I switched him into a ten gallon, he squeaked and ran at the sight of me. I think that perhaps your alligator lizard may be doing one of two things; one is that it is adjusting to its new surroundings, and wants a chance to settle in before it gets yanked out to be held. My other thought is that it may feel "free-er" in this new terrarium, and thus is likely to act more as a wild AL would. In my humble opinion There is a part of lizards that won't EVER allow them to be tamed, but some are more likely than others to supress this "wildness". I'd think it would be Ok to Handle him like you used to in a couple weeks, so that way he's settled in. I would wait to see what Alice and Ace say though, since I'm not a pro at this. Ok. theres my input.

Yours,
Phil

Hi Phil,
thanx for your time and wonderful response. It makes sense what you said and it has been over a month since we put him in there. He does have tha wild attitude, it seem slike he went back to when we first found him. I was able to hold him and even kiss him goodnight. I know that's strange but I love my little Al. We care for him like we would our cats, and they are part of our family.
So it disturbs me to see Al acting like this. I feel bad for him.
I know when he gets clogged hemi-pens he looks uncomfotable and we unclog them and he looks better. This is totally different.
thank you phil, it good to be where others care for their Als.
MJ

Hi MJ!

I'm glad to have helped. Its interesting,
the attitudes of our animals, and how one small thing can
change them. I have an old male Collared Lizard, he's 7
with me, is fed by me personally every day, and he recognizes me as his provider. The fella hasn't tried to bite me since I caught him, and he was quite a ferocious beast then. I think Al will snap out of it, or at least I hope he does. It might be likened to a cat, or a human for that matter. Just takes time. So with that, I hope all goes well, it sounds like
Al is in good, caring hands.

Yours,
Phil