Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was given a Sudan Plated Lizard today. A science teacher decided he didn't want it any more.
I wasn't particuarily interested in getting a new pet, but when I saw how the teacher was keeping the lizard... I couldn't leave it there. It had no place to hide, only had a small heat rock for warmth, no UVB lighting, and was being kept in a 20 gallon tank on kitty litter as a substrate.

So.... I guess I need to know more about how to keep this kind of lizard.

I've read the basics in online caresheets, but knew that I could probably find out more here.

Also, I read that Sudans are almost all wild caught animals? ...I assume I should have a fecal for parasites done?

Thanks,
Pamela

First, what are you keeping the Sudan in? And what are you feeding it?
They eat Superworms,waxworms, may eat some crickets, occasional pinkies mice, some fruit & vegetables. You will need a basking spot light, this can be a household light bulb or reptile spot bulb in a dome reflector. Temperatures under the basking light should be 90f to 95f but no higher, the rest of the cage should be cooler 72f to 80f varying for farthest end away from basking site which should be at one end of cage. Are you using Aspen or Lizard Litter? Are there flat piecies of rock under the basking light to absorb heat for the Sudan to digest food? and what kind of hide areas are you using? How big is the cage and the Lizard? Do you have a water dish to drink from? they do not need to soak in the dish in their cage. If you think parasites are present I would recommend Panacur & Flagyl treatment for worm infestation. A trip to the vet is needed so you will now what state of health the Sudan is in at this time.

This appears to be an adult lizard. It was being kept in 20 gallon tank with the smallest sized heat rock. No heat light or UVB light was provided for it. There was no hide box (or anything else to hide in or under). And it was being kept on KITTY LITTER as a substrate!!!

I just couldn't leave the lizard there in these conditions. I have a 3 X 3 enclosure that I'm keeping it in for now. I'm using Lizard Litter as a substrate. I've got a heat emitter, a flat rock for it to bask on, and UVB lights for it. (I wasn't sure if it needed UVB or not...but better safe than sorry) I gave it a water container large enough for it to soak in if it chooses. And I also gave it several hide boxes...which it seems SO happy to have.

It's eaten earthworms, mealworms, and crickets for me so far. I've given it a variety of veggies and fruits which have been left untouched.

Thanks!
Pamela

Some Sudans will eat fruits & Vegs, some won't. Breeding season mine eat more of it. Try the pinkie mice once a week. Sounds like you have things under control.