Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There was recently a fair by me that was giving away anoles as a prize... terrible, i know. A friend of mine won 2 and kept them in a tank together. One of them appeared to be dead and we were surprised to find it still alive. We seperated the 2 and my friend asked me to try and nurse the sickly one back to health. I have a redfoot tortoise and i'd like to think i could help the little guy but it isn't looking good from what i've researched. I read that they fight and the loser turns brown and starves itself. He is green now but has a bruise near his eye which is shut completely. He ate peach baby food for me but seems to be too weak to chase any crickets. Right now all I could do for the night was put him in a 10 gallon tank with a repticarp, some water on a chinese soup container lid and a 60 watt night light which wasnt enough wattage for my tortoise. I misted the sides of the tank with a spray bottle because I read they like humidity and I put a heating pad under the tank. He is having labored breathing and opens his mouth almost like he is trying to clear his throat. He is a really sweet little anole and he doesn't seem to resist my help. Any advice would be beyond helpful, I wish I could afford to take im to the vet but unfortunately I can't. Thank you i know this is a long message and I wish that people weren't so careless with the lives of animals...

I'm surprised it has taken some baby food. That's a good sign anyway. Make sure it is able to drink. Anoles won't drink from a cup. They drink the droplets of water off of plants and stuff. Maybe it will drink off the glass after you have sprayed it. I had one that used to do that.

You're better off with some plastic plants to spray for it to drink off of. It needs a place to hide anyway. Also, I don't understand the nightlight part, so I will just say that they don't need light at night. They need a basking bulb during the day (maybe that's what you were saying?) and a good UV light.

If it still wants to eat, trying getting some wax worms and cutting into small pieces and try to feed it like you did with the baby food. They love the fat, but can get addicted to it. Still though, it might be a good way to turn things around. Here's a site that gives correct care instructions. Good luck. http://www.anapsid.org/anole.html

Andy