Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am a school teacher in Fort Smith, Arkansas on the border of Oklahoma, I want to adopt or purchase a horned lizard. Can someone direct me the right way? Thank you, Keith

Keith:

First, I am curious whether you plan to use a horned lizard as a classroom pet. If this is in fact the case, I want to dissuade you from Phrynosoma, as they are easily stressed and are best kept in situations where they are fairly isolated. They do not enjoy being handled or watched, characteristics that are desirable in classroom animals.

If this is for your own purposes/enjoyment, I would direct you to either Desert Reptiles in Hamwthorne, NV, or to the kingsnake Classified ads. CB, CH and WC P. platyrhinos do appear at times.

Best of luck!

Makes me a little nervous when you post 3 times in the same day that you're looking to adopt or buy a horned lizard. They really ARE NOT suitable for classroom use. They would probably die in a short amount of time. Not good for them or the students. What grade do you teach? There are MUCH MORE suitable lizards that may like or tolerate the attention more than these little guys. Cute they are, but if they're dead . . . not a good outcome. Please reconsider.

I teach 5th and 6th grade science and Biology at the University of Arkansas at night. They will not be used in a classroom setting. We are building our version of a samll biodome, lol.
The section set aside for the horned lizards is a 4' tall 6'wide.
with a 85% mirrored finish, the only thing the lizards will see is the caregiver. The room itself is 2000 square feet with individual climate controls. We already have various snakes and reptiles. We have one alligator who went from 12" to 37" in two years. We know how to take care of them. Thanks for your concern but we already purchased 2 pair. Don't consider everyone idiots. lol. My minor was in herp. Thanks for your concern,
Dr. Keith Love
by the way the gator is on loan from the little rock, ar zoo.
and will be traded in for another baby at 4'

Keith, this sounds very interesting. Is this biodome on public display or just used as school research? What other herps do you house in it? I would be very interested in seeing pictures if you have any available.

Sometimes some of us jump to conclusions on this forum. Most of the time when someone comes in asking where they can get Hl's from, they are inexperienced and do not understand the commitment it takes to keep them healthy. The delicate nature of phrynosoma and the specifics in it's diet tend to make us (the regulars here) a little "protective".(for lack of a better way of describing it)

Will you be keeping them on an ant diet? What species did you end up getting?
Good luck and keep us informed on their developement!
Ryan