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New Anole Owner-I have some questions

sonic5115 Jan 27, 2005 10:03 AM

Hey there,
Last night, I purchased two green anoles. I don't have them in the same cage as the iguanas, for they will prolly get eaten or beat up. I have some fake leaves, a water dish, a half log hiding spot. The one anole turned brown last night and is still brown when I woke up. I read that this is a sign of stress. Will he tun back eventully?

Also, I bought a dozen small crickets and most of the crickets kind of burried themselves in the bark - will the anoles be able to find them and eat them? Also, are "can o' crickets" any good to feed them?

Any other advice anyone can give me to ensure that my anoles will be safe and happy? Thank you

Replies (3)

Beakulon Jan 27, 2005 03:58 PM

Your new anoles might be a little stressed about being introduced to their new environment. Do they have any other signs that they might not be in the best of health (for example, are they perky, how is their weight, is their tail firm or limp, are they alert, etc.) If they seem healthy in general, you could wait a few days and if they haven't adjusted, you could bring them to a vet in your area. Many lizards come out of pet stores in less than ideal conditions, and may have worms or other ailments that a vet could help out with.

Another possibility is that your lizard is cold. It sounds like you decorated the cage nicely, but do they have a heating lamp and floresent light? Is there a basking spot in close proximity to the lamp if they want a little extra warmth? What's the temperature in the cage? Are you misting them regularly? Your new friend might also be dehydrated. Lizards also tend to hibernate in the winter. Mine are a little less active than usual right now; yours might be in a similar mode, in which case you have nothing to worry about; just keep an eye on them and note any changes in behavior.

If the crickets seem out of reach, you could try using another cage lining. You should be careful what you use, as some are toxic or contain chemicals. I like organic potting soil, or you could try paper towels (you need to change those every day). I've never had any luck feeding my anoles canned crickets, or mealworms for that matter, but with a little training you can usually get them to eat mushed up bananas and baby food. Be gentle feeding them and monitor them regularly, good luck and have fun!

sonic5115 Jan 28, 2005 10:30 AM

Thank you for your suggestions. Last night I purchased a litle cricket cage too and some gut-load food, because, you know, crickets need to eat too!
I mist them regualrly, but the heat of the lamp dries the leaved very quickly.
I awoke very sad today. One of my anoles, the more active one, got out of his cage! I don't how he did it, but he did. Either that, or he burried himself under the bark. I hope he returns. Thjere's not much food in my room
Also, the other anole has not turned back to green yet? Is he gonna be ok?

RaverTanker Jan 29, 2005 02:02 AM

Does your lid have little holes for an electric cord to enter your cage? Mine got out today too and that was how, but he was just basking on the lid. Anoles can squeeze very tiny. Look also at daytime near the windowsills of course or in direct sunlight in the mornings. The brown one is just still stressed, it can take some time. Make sure he is warm and fed well. Good luck finding the lost one.

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