Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all, newcomer here.

I caught a Texas Alligator Lizard a little while back and was wondering if anyone has any info on setting up and maintaing a terrarium. I figured a woodland terrarium would be best as thats mainly whats around here, cedar trees, limestone, etc.
Has anyone set one of these up? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I have a pair in a 20 gallon long. I have cedar bedding except over a spot on the heating pad where they can get warm. I have a shallow water dish on the opposite side of the heat. There is a cave hide and a large piece of wood that I have wrapped with fake leaves and vines.

The newspaper in the photo has been replaced with cedar.

I live in Killeen and have to go to Austin to hunt. Where did you find your lizard?

Dave

-----
One man with faith equals the majority.
Thomas Jefferson

I caught him near my work, which is near 360 and Bee Caves Road.

I had a terrarium set up for him before with live plants but I started getting gnats flying around. I think my problem was that I got wild plants from the area I caught him at.

I just bought a 40 gallon terrarium for him and am about to set it up with live plants, just looking for a good place to get a lot of activated charcoal for a reasonable price.

I would not recommend using any form of cedar bedding. It has a toxic effect on many critters. It can be especially dangerous when used in inclosures that have poor ventilation. It does smell good but, that smell is not worth the chance of causing neurological problems. If you are wanting a natural surrounding I would use some sort of cleaned, fine gravel or sand and add some potted semi arid type plants. They are very arboreal so something for it to climb on is a good thing. TX Alligator Lizards need UV lighting. You should also use either natural insects for food or get a good supplement to dust the crickets or other commercial insects you use. Good Luck.

ECT