Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,
As most of you know my children got me a DHL p. platyrhinos unknown to me for father’s day. Well I've tried everything I know of for him to eat to supplement the ants with and so far no luck.

I raise bearded dragons and monitors and the upkeep for one DHL with the ants from just one supplier is not real practical. (Maybe if I lived out west) My question is is there anyone who would like to add him to there collection? Anyone that could use him in a breeding project or something along those lines? I will care for him if there is not, I just got another 1000 ants in, and I'll continue to do what I have to do to keep him. I just thought there might be someone who he could help.

Thanks,
bob

Hey man,

I was wondering how the temps are in his tank. I find it strange that your HL isn't gobbling the mealworms or other insects, as mine, given the chance, become very opportunistic. I have found HLs generally do poorly when kept inside (just my experience) so I decided I'd rather keep them outside. I don't know where you are living, but some natural sunlight may be the trick to get him eating whatever, whenever. You shouldn't (again in my opinion) stop with the ants, because for some reason they have embraced the lifestyle in nature. perhaps in the meantime there is an ant species living near you that will do. I am familiar with a pogo ant species that lives in Florida; it has been suggested that the ant will probably make sufficient food. If you live in the natural range of an HL species, you will find some ants there that will work.

So in short, maybe take him outside for a little while, and feed him when he looks nice and warm. Check out some local ant species, chances are you have a pogo nearby. Feed him one bug at a time. Stress could be a factor in his failure to eat things besides ants. Patience is the other key in HL keeping. I am trying very hard to acclimate my new male, and am having some mixed success with him. He eats, but runs when he sees me. It just takes time, I guess. So if you still want to get rid of him, I'm sure someone will take him but e-mail them privately. Good luck, and I hope I was of some help.

-Phil

I've been wondering what your setup looked like Phil.
Nice big cage you have there.
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