Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am slowly going to be purchasing the supplies I will need for a collared lizard or two, and then the lizards themselves. Research stage here.

Anyways I have a couple questions.

1. I want a more than "minimum" enclosure. So I am shooting for a 60-90 gallon. What are your thoughts on enclosure size?

2. Are both aquariums and custom made melamine (with needed airflow installed of course) both appropriate options?

3. Are crickets the main staple most people feed?

That's all I can think of for now

Thanks!
MB

>>I am slowly going to be purchasing the supplies I will need for a collared lizard or two, and then the lizards themselves.

Congratulations on being smarter than a large segment of the population which "does it backwards" (gets the lizards first, then asks "what do they eat?" etc.).

>>1. I want a more than "minimum" enclosure. So I am shooting for a 60-90 gallon. What are your thoughts on enclosure size?

If you can, restrict your activity to your kitchen pantry and let the lizards have the rest of the house! Seriously, bigger is always better. Keep in mind that your limiting factor will likely be the doorway of the room in which you intend to keep the lizards, as well as the hallways leading into it (for example, if you must maneuver around a tight corner). I'm speaking from experience: I like designing my own enclosures, and I had a LOT of trouble with one or two--you build it perfect, then you can't get it into the room!

2. Are both aquariums and custom made melamine (with needed airflow installed of course) both appropriate options?

When I think melamine, I think of that particle board stuff coated with a water-resistant coating. First of all, it's HEAVY, and second, if water gets through to the particle board (such as through a cut surface), the particle board will disintegrate into...particles. Glass can be relatively heavy, too, but it's more scratch-resistant than lighter alternatives like acrylic.

I've had enclosures constructed of plywood coated with polyurethane for a nontoxic, waterproof surface, with the front made of a pane of glass. Depending on the size of the enclosure, it can get heavy, but I had to make do with the basic frame which someone else "overbuilt" (too thick plywood)--with proper design, you can use fairly thin plywood (it's not like the collareds are going to "bust out" like a Nile monitor!).

>>3. Are crickets the main staple most people feed?

Seems that way. I don't currently have any collareds, so I'll let the other folks answer this one!
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

>>3. Are crickets the main staple most people feed?

>Seems that way. I don't currently have any collareds, so I'll let the other folks answer this one!

Before Tobias got sick, crickets were his main source of food, gutloaded and coated in calcium and vitamin dusts. Mealworms are also good, but not as a staple diet- the worms' shell is sort of hard for them to digest, but it's a real treat to the collared!

There are also waxworms, which are high in fat, so if your future-collared ever starts to get a little skinny, these would be good along with the crix. But, as with the mealworms, they're a real treat!

There are also butterworms, or something like that. I've only heard of them once here on the forums, so I haven't a clue how good they are for your lizard.

SO, in closing! (I tend to go on and on... lol ) Crickets are the main source of food for these guys.... OH. And they will sometimes eat some greens and fruits... I know Tobias enjoys the occasional pieces of apple and lettuce.
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Amanda ^_^

"Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to." ~Alfred A. Montapert

I know butterworms have some of the best nutrional content of any feeders, and they are available to me as I already use them for my herps. Diet wise I am thinking of basically doing a mix of crickets, silkworms and butterworms (and some veggies/fruit like suggested here and in my reading!)

I have a few melamine racks for certain things and yes its HEAVY! So if I go custom, I'll go plywood. I am leaning towards a nice large aquarium though at this point.

Thanks for your answers guys, it helps! I'll have more questions soon I am sure!

Marisa

Glad your here, hope you go with a collared or 2 as they are very enjoyable lizards. Diverse in color, active , fun to watch and can become extremely tame when handled regularly.

Great bunch of lizards here, people are pretty SPECIAL also, hehhee

Any more questions, just holler, someone will give it a go

Let us know when you decide and what you get, and by all means when you get one or a pair, law here is you have to post many PICS, often, we like to get to know all the lizards!
My scaley kids

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Eve / PHEve

I had my collared (scientist) in an aquarium and he was forever trying to climb the walls so I put him in a wire-framed cage and he seems to apsolutely love climbing up the sides to get to different bits of his basking log. I was a bit worried about him being too cold but he seems fine if activity levels are anything to judge by.