Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I want to get a new lizard now that my beardie has passed away (he lived a long and healthy life dont worry!) and horned lizards seem to be a good choice to me. I was wondering what kind of cage requirements they need. I had my beardie in a 6' by 3' cage, but i moved and don't have it anymore. Just wondering if they need something that big, or can live in smaller enclosures. Also, how is their temperment, i enjoy relaxed lizards like beardies and frilled lizards, where you don't have to worry about biting and tail whipping. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Well you've got some lizard experience, which is in my opinion necessary if your going to get into Horned Lizards. Too bad you don't have that cage anymore. That's a good size for them. You can build a great wooden and screen inclosure for pretty cheap. Doesn't take much to cut, nail, and staple. Hopefully you still have a UVB lamp, etc.

Horned Lizards are definitely not "relaxed lizards" like beardies or green iguana's. ( You call a Frilled Lizard "relaxed" !? Biting and tail whipping is kinda their trademark isn't it? Maybe their different if their captive bred. ) Anyway...Horned Lizards are kinda jumpy in captivity, especially wild caught one's. They don't like audiences, noises, traffic, etc. near them. They don't really like to be held, though they are normally docile and non-aggressive. Some may squirt you with some blood when handled at first, but that usually passes. They stress and may run and hit the walls, or climb the walls, so space and other habitat conditions are important if you want them to settle down. Some species are worse than others on this.

Check out phrynosoma.org
I also have a care sheet I've been working on here:www.repticzone.com/forums/HornedLizards/messages/856962.html

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"A man that should call everything by it's right name, would hardly pass the streets without being knocked down as a common enemy." The Complete Works of George Savile, First Marquess of Halifax 1912,246

Was at my daughters a few days ago, she has a new bearded.I was sorta jealous,when she picked up the cricket box, it stood up like "your home".When she slid back the top of the aquarium cover he looked up , waiting for his food/treat.He was way more aware of his surrounding or like "hey, what can I do next",sorta attitude.He interacted more with her.
Now, if you had the same relationship with yours, I might be wrong here (disclaimer).But you might be disapointed with HL's.In a way, they remind me of cats.OH ,it's you, who cares, I am outta here!!Oh ants cool, I'll eat a few,oh, your going to watch me,hmm,I can waittt till you leave.And they can see ya across the room,so don't try to hide,or if you do stand real still.Firesides right on, they do not like to be handled.If you expect much back,relationship wise,um, good luck.scott.