Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a couple questions, I am playing with the idea of getting a chuckwalla. And before i get any deeper into it i had a couple of questions. Mainly, what is the temperment like on these guys? Is it similiar to the Beardies at all?

And also, does anyone have any good links to websites with credible information about chuckwalla care?
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1.0 green iguana-Deitrich
1.1 Common Boa-Un-Named, Ursula
1.0 Ball Python-Anabell (go figure!)
1.0 Red Tegu-Uteg
1.0 Albino Cal King-Pig
0.1 Mexican Black King-Morticia
1.1 Bearded Dragons-Unnamed, Hanabil
1.0 Albino San Diego Gopher-Unnamed
0.1 Hermans tort-Esio
1.1 JCP-Milton, Medusa
1.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn-Unnamed
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0.0.1 Rose Hair Taruntla-Unnamed
2.0 Leopard Geckos-Reptar, Pogo
4.1 cats-Tucker,Poe,Abhib,Emerald, Felicity
0.1 Bullmastiff-Asha

They are very much like a beardy, but calmer. They are strict vegetarians. Tom Greb could give you the best info.

Chucks are the BEST!! I have 3.4 of the little ones (S. obesus) and am about to get a big one (S. hispidus). I've had several chucks for many years. They live a long time. Some become so tame they come out of their cave to stand on my foot and beg for the day's rations! Only thing is, you probably can't keep males together. My three males would destroy each other, given the opportunity. The girls get along with each other great. Some chucks relish mealworms along with their salads. I don't give them many, but it's fun to hand them a treat occasionally. Dandelion flowers are also a passion with them. I have several different kinds of lizards and none are more fun than chucks. They don't seem to fear me at all.

I have a red tegu, like you. Does yours stay under the substrate all the time, hiding? Mine's real tame but pretty boring in that he's usually hidden away. He's certainly a gorgeous creature. And very polite, for such a big potentially dangerous guy. I'm happy to have him.

I'd certainly encourage you to try chuckwallas. Think you'll have a good time watching and interacting with them.

I hadnt realy thought of getting more than one, do they prefer to live in multiples? Which species is the hardiest and best for a beginer, preferably a smaller one?
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1.0 green iguana-Deitrich
1.1 Common Boa-Un-Named, Ursula
1.0 Ball Python-Anabell (go figure!)
1.0 Red Tegu-Uteg
1.0 Albino Cal King-Pig
0.1 Mexican Black King-Morticia
1.1 Bearded Dragons-Unnamed, Hanabil
1.0 Albino San Diego Gopher-Unnamed
0.1 Hermans tort-Esio
1.1 JCP-Milton, Medusa
1.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn-Unnamed
0.1 Snow Corn-Unnamed
1.0 Hypo Okeetee Corn-Unnamed
0.1 Motley Okeetee-Unnamed
1.0 Western Hoggie-Wyrm
0.0.1 Rose Hair Taruntla-Unnamed
2.0 Leopard Geckos-Reptar, Pogo
4.1 cats-Tucker,Poe,Abhib,Emerald, Felicity
0.1 Bullmastiff-Asha

Hey man,

I have kept Chucks singly, and they do fine, but add a female to the mix, and you can start to enjoy the natural aspect of Chuck keeping. I have only kept S. ater, the common Chuckwalla. The males I had were about a foot long TL, but monsters of 16" TL aren't unheard of. I would suggest them; they are big, bold, different, and ultimately rewarding captives. Just my two cents. Good luck.

-Phil