I would like to include a horned lizard species or two in my collection, and I am curious which species is most suitable for a captive environment. My personal favorite would probably be P. solare, but I have heard that these do not do well in captivity. I also like P. hernandezi, and would imagine that this species might do better, as it appears to have a more varied diet in the wild. Any reccomendations as to keeping either of these species (or another if they are in fact unsuitable candidates) would be greatly appreciated. Also, I would only be able to offer them natural sunlight for approximately three months out of the year, as I live in northern CA. Thus, I could also use some suggestions for setting up an indoor terrarium.
Thanks
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choosing a horned lizard species
Replies (3)
Solare are great if you can get captive born young. Wild young also seem to adapt well if given the right environment. Check out my web site for some pics of captive Solare.
Platyrhinos are also a possibility, but there is only one captive breeder I know of, so they are hard to get as well.
If you buy wild caught, you will never know what you get till it gets to your door. My experience with these is aweful.
Catch them yourself (legally of course) or buy captive bred and you'll do well.
If you can provide an outdoor enclosure part time and a good indoor enclosure the rest of the year, feed them properly (ants) and provide very good UVA/UVB lighting you should be able to experience reasonable success.
Good luck to you!
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2 Kings 6:15-17
How do you know if you're acquiring a reptile legally? I haven't caught any reptiles period but, I would like to know if I came across a reptile I would like to keep I was doing legally.
You should check with your local state fish and game regulations. If you are going to another state to acquire you'll need to check the regulations in both your state for import and the other state for take and export.
The highest priority of course is to ensure you know how to care for the species you are after first. 
Good Luck!
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2 Kings 6:15-17
