Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Actually, I'm doing more than thinking, I'm seriously considering. I just had a few questions. I have a 75g fish tank that will be emptied out soon (it holds freshwater fish atm but they are going to be leaving soon). Will this be enough room for a single chuck, provided it is cleaned out extremely well first?

Also, I read on one of the websites I visited that chucks' enclosures should have real rocks in them. However, I wanted to try my hand at making a removable custom rock wall type background. As long as real rocks are placed under the heat lamps, will a chuck enjoy having a fake background (with hides built in & etc)?

Oh, one more thing. I've read that the diets of iguanas and chucks are similar. How similar? I own an iguana. If I do decide to get a chuck (which in all likelihood I will), can I prepare double the amount of food I prepare right now for Quincy (my ig) and split it in half for her and the chuck, or will I have to prepare two separate meals?

Thanks for any information you can give me. I'm really excited about researching and adding another reptile to my collection (besides the iguana, I also own a male irian jaya blue tongue skink and two female crested geckos).

Dragonbeards (and the horde)

Hi,
I think 75g tank is sufficient for a single chuck. I am no expert, but have been doing a lot of reading as I have recently aquired my first chuck. (red back male, picollo) a couple of months ago, but it should be good.
I dont have any fake rocks but I do have a fake maluable vine that he loves to climb on as well as real rocks and a climbing branch to get closer to the heat lamp. The chuck's diet is more similar to
uromastyx than an iguana i believe. There is no need for animal protein and no need for a water bowl as they get their water from their diet. Here is a link to a care sheet. but basically, leafy greens, (turnip, mustard, collard ect) and berries are always good. Hope this helps.
http://www.lizard-landscapes.com/chuckwalla.html

This is the best article I have seen on chuck care.
http://suncharmers.com/files/Montanucci_chuckwalla_care.pdf