Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just given a 1.2 trio of fence lizards, WC from NJ. The intention was for them to be feeders but I was wondering if it would make more sense to keep them and let them breed for feeder lizards. I have a few snakes that would love the treat. I know the WC fence lizards from CA are usually too stressed by captivity to breed but is it the same with these?

Doesn't anyone check this room?? LOL!

This is a forum for people who keep fence lizards as PETS, not merely to feed some other creature. I think you would be better served by addressing your question to the Feeder Forum.

Oh...Ok. LOL! I didn't see a difference between raising them for feeders and raising rats or mice as such but I can see how others would, I suppose. There are some snakes that will only eat lizards, like my Psammophis, and this is the "spiny/fence lizard" forum. It doesn't specify pets only.

Tell you what, Esther. If you want them, you can have them. Contact me, pay for shipping costs and I'll happily send them to you so that they can be merely pets. (Anoles will work just as well as fence lizards.)

I have no room at present for any more spineys. I have a gorgeous terrarium set up for my Yarrow's spiny lizards and a Northern prairie lizard, and a fine crop of babies this year from them. If your lizards are WC from NJ, I would wonder if they were collected legally, since there are strict laws there about collecting, particularly in the Pine Barrens region.

It is entirely possible that a local school would be delighted to have your spineys. They make EXCELLENT pets and exhibit many interesting behaviors that kids would enjoy watching.

BTW, I also keep a tank of green anoles, which also make delightful pets. They reward me not only with charming behaviors, but a steady stream of babies, letting me know that they are content with their setup.

My lizards are all very esteemed pets, and I'm sure other lizardkeepers feel quite the same way about theirs.

Some people feel that way about their rodents too. What about the animals that are slaughtered to make dog and cat food or, the insects we grow just to feed the Fence Lizards and Anoles? It's all about the food chain...a very natural order of things. But, to each, their own.

The offer is still available if you change your mind.

You do make a point but keep in mind whatever they use for dog food and the bugs to feed the lizards and the mice to feed the snake are all talked about in the feeder forum. However to answer your question I would not feed them to the snake. If you had to have lizards for the snake I would breed them but then again you may want to choose a different kind of lizard as with my experience fence lizards especially wild caught are not the most likely lizard to breed easily for you. You would also want to consider keeping them for just another pet they are rather interesting. I would take them off your hands but they are not native to my area "N. California" and my interest lies only with native reptiles. Good luck and I hope you make a wise decision.
RR

Yes, I know there is a feeder forum and I do frequent it. However, this is the place to get breeding and keeping advice, which is why I posted here in the first place.

I already have 30-some snakes and a gaggle of leopard geckos...I really have no interest in keeping the fence lizards as pets but, seeing how some are so against using them as feeders, I do not have the heart to do so.

Thank you for your suggestions.

Trust me I know the feeling. I have a snake that will only eat tree frogs therefor I get verry nasty coments from the tree frog crouds when I ask a question
RR

Lol...you handled that response well. I wish I knew enough about lizards to help you (I don't unfortunately) but if you check on line I'm sure you can get some UNbiased opinions on raising lizards to provide your snakes with feeders. People do ask breeding questions in the feeder forum, but they are mostly worm/cricket/mouse/rat questions. Good luck!

LOL! Thanks. I was really flabbergasted that I was told I was purposely ignored, as this would be the best place to get breeding advice for fence lizards! But, I guess the "feeder" issue a sensitive subject, which I can understand.

I had looked through all the posts in the feeder forum. There are mostly mouse and rats discussions and I don't need any help with that! LOL!

I still haven't decided what to do with these lizards. WC Fence Lizards tend to be too stressed by captivity to keep and I releasing them isn't an option either. I may end up having to feed them away just so they don't go to waste.

www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/6352/sfencare.html

www.anapsid.org/swifts.html

www.angelfire.com/rock2/ryche69/repic/lizard.html

Try these for some info. If the breeding doesn't go well, I'm sure they'll be delicious.

www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/6352/sfencare.htm

Whoops...try this one.

"If the breeding doesn't go well, I'm sure they'll be delicious."

LMAO!!!! You are too funny!!!

Thank you kindly! I'll check out the links right now. (As soon as I stop laughing...LOL!)

To answer your question, yes Northern Fence lizards can be bred but one of the main problems with keeping Fence lizards is their diet. They don't do as well if they're kept inside all year and fed crickets only. With the females I have, I try to include spiders and moths in their diet, but they're known to also consume some types of large ants also. I house mine in a wire screened cage (vertical) with tree branches for climbing. Leaf mulch/dirt mix for the ground cover and a water bowl is included.
Currently my fence lizards are going on their third year with me, which is, to my understanding a good sign they're adapting to being in capivity. Many keepers in my area have lost theirs within 2 years, repeatedly. I have had both lay eggs after mating with a male I had. Although, I did not hatch them, fence lizards will breed if you separate the males and females during the winter months. Speaking of which, Fence lizards should be burmated Oct. thru Feb. for the best breeding chances.
Please feel free to email me if you have any additional questions.
Fence lizards are a lizard that isn't given too much credit in the pet trade but they're beautiful small lizards and are enjoyable to keep.
HD

Congrats with your success with your fence lizards. I have also kept my Yarrow's spiny lizards for over 2 years, with 2 litters of babies resulting. I also have a Sceloporus undulatus consobrinus male who is doing well, and a couple Sonoran whiptails in that tank, all doing well. All were wc, by me. They adapted extremely well to their terrarium, which is similar to your setup. I also have greater earless lizards doing well, and Italian wall lizards, all wc. They are all an utter delight to me as pets, and some have learned to come running over to the front of the tank when they see me. "Got crickets?" Some will even eat from my hand!