Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have a trio of recently acquired juvenile NM collared juveniles.
I am an experienced lizard keeper but haven't had collareds in years. I have a few questions I am hoping experienced keepers can help me with. On average, how many crickets should these little guys be eating daily to ensure proper growth? I am gutloading the crickets and dusting with calcium on most feedings. Will most collareds drink from water bowls or do you need to lightly spray the enclosure to stimulate them to drink? Lastly, do you recommend brumating/hibernating juveniles and subadults in late fall even if they haven't reached adult size? Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Brian Stewart

On water, I have a newly caught pair and they drink from a bowl. I have actually seen them. If they don't, then I think a drip system works better, either let an ice cube melt into a bowl or put a small container of water on top of the lid with a tiny hole in it. I have also been using those bubbler bowls like these and they really like those.
http://www.herpsupplies.com/product.cfm?groupid=7310&id=SPT190

My juvies are eating around 10 crix 9sized according to age)a few times a day.

I don't think you are supposed to brumate juvies, but hopefully someone with more experience can comment on this.

Congrats on getting collareds! I love them!

Mine won't drink from a bowl but gets a weekly soak in the sink to make up for what he isn't getting in his diet which accounts for most of the moisture they need. Food wise if feeding twice a day besides feeding prey that doesn't span wider then the space between their eys, whatever they will eat in five minute period will give them enough without allowing them to gorge.