This is a famous phrase from herpetologist Frank Retes, he actually printed this on T-shirts. Of course this was addressed for monitor keepers and was kind of a joke, but still very true.

I cant say that acanthosaura are what can be called heat loving lizards, they seem to prefer temps in the mid 70s to mid 80s, however they do need heat nevertheless.

Unlike many keepers I have the chance to watch my lizards all day long, ya I know it’s a boring job! Anyway enough complaining.

I see them using basking almost every day, some like this gravid female use it only a few times a week, however she will start using it more as pregnancy advances. Heat is fundamental for these lizards, I really cant imagine keeping them alive without a chance to heat up. Iv already explained why and how heat affects metabolism so I will spare you this time, however let me repeat on this very important point.

Without basking lizards cant regulate there parasites load, they live in symbiosis with parasites, they have so for millions of years, trying to eradicate parasites in lizards is unhealthy, parasite have an essential role on the immune system and hormone production, they are present in all foods regardless of if you breed your own or buy your food at the supermarket.

Vets trying to eradicate parasites are either misinformed or have a hand in your pocket!

Reptiles routinely expulse parasites when defecating, this is how they control population, so expect to see some in faecal once in a while, this doesn’t mean your lizard is sick in anyway.

I leave you with something to ponder about, round worms where eradicated from North American humans in the fifth’s, sins then our immune system is so week that if it wasn’t for dairy products and antibiotics there wouldn’t be any north Americans left except for natives.

Anyway enough rambling for now, but I will post about this again and again as Iv been doing for years. Probably till I see it on the first page of reptiles magazine REPTILE PARASITES A MYTH then we can all focus on important things like husbandry and feeding.

rgds

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