Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am the grandmother of a yellow throated plated lizard, with full custody!! I have had her for 6 months and have fed her crickets and meal worms. I initially tried vegies, but she wasn't interested. Should I persist? I am also afraid of her. Do they need to come out of the aquarium? Do they enjoy human contact or should I just let her be? I touch her head but that's about it. I have befriended a quaker parakeet and a pitbull that were grandcreatures left to me, so I will this critter too - if necessary, though it's very snaky looking. Please help.

Yellow-throats are friendly critters, but can also be a little skittish at first. When picking them up, be sure to support the upper body and tail. Go slowly when approaching the animal to pick it up, since lack of this may make it nervous the first few times, and that tail can be used as a whip that leaves stinging welts. Overall, they are gentle, curious creatures. While they have long claws, they will not use them to harm you (although they may accidentally leave a few red marks.)

If your plated isn't taking veggies, try some soft fruits (such as over-ripe bananas) and baby food. I've had great success in getting a somewhat picky plated to eat strawberry-apple baby food when he refused to eat his greens.

Good luck with this delightful companion!