Reptile & Amphibian Forums

On Monday the 5th, I was mountain biking and came upon...I believe...a P. Hernandesi. I have always loved the little guys and took him home. He has done exceptionally well....eats wonderfully, drinks water really well and is extremely alert. I've decided it'd be best for him if I let him go. I want to put him back in the place I found him...but I worry that they get attached to a person and rely on you to bring them food and provide their water. I've done much reading from the different posts on this site and have done extensive reading on phrynosoma.com. I just don't want to let him go if there is a chance of him being dependant on me....I've only had him a little over a week. Any input is much appreciated.

From my understanding their natural instinct kicks in and as long as you put him back in his "home range" (within 1/2 mile from where you got him . . .the closer to the exact spot the better) he should do fine. If you can find another HL around even nicer and placing him under some shade if it's hot out would be good.

Thank you....that's all the assurance I needed. I myself have gotten attached to this little guy...and wanted to do my utmost to keep him, but I know it takes a lot of time and great commitment. I think it's in his best interest for him to be in his "natural" home. Thanks!

I know what you mean. I think . . . I should say I KNOW we get more attached to them than they do to us. Kinda sad. If only they knew all the emotion we put into them! lol

To be totally honest, from what I've read, keeping a little one like you have would stand a better chance of survival in captivity than an adult one, which usually does not survive captivity (esp the SHL like you have). But the amount of time, effort and money to keep him healthy and happy would be the same. A HUGE time commitment. They're simply adorable but sometimes even if you're willing to put in the time and money they still don't survive.

Also, I'm not completely sure about a little guy like that being out so close to hibernation. Not sure how quickly they grow and what the likelihood that he could survive the winter with his age.

I guess to sum it up . . . if you're wondering if he'll forget how to take care of himself since you had him a week . . . the answer is "no". They're wild creatures and that's pretty much hardwired into them. The parents don't really take care of them but they seem to naturally know about finding food, burrowing, etc. However, if you're wondering if a little guy that age can make it through the winter with his age and size so close to Fall . . .that you may want to post another question and get someone like Cable or Reptoman to answer your question. They've raised youngin's like that.

Just wanted to make that distinction. He seems really small. Very cute though, isn't he??

Good Luck!

I've gotten so attached that I don't want to take the chance of loosing him...in risking his survival with me. He eats extremely well...and drinks really well too. I want to release him while he's strong and doing well. We are stil having really nice weather here...averaging 80-85 for highs...and dipping down to 45 for lows at night. I want to release him before the temps get cooler.
Because he's a small guy...I catch small ants for him. The larger harvester ants intimidate him and he won't eat them. He won't eat crickets either. He loves those ants though!
I appreciate all the input you've given me and nice to be able to relate in getting attached to these little guys. I guess my original post should have alluded to my attachement to my spike!!
LOL!

Although an animal taken out of the wild is not supposed to be let go, these are one of the hardest of horned lizards to take care, of while he may look fine and dandy now he's likely to not make it unless you have very good skills. I would call fish and game and just ask them their policy about letting them go. I believe the animal would be better off, but they fastly approachiung the hibernation season, and keeping him underfed or the worng husbandry problems and then letting him go is not good so while I don't know the policy of New Mexico, a fast phone call and a decison should be made soon. Don't linger...
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