First I want to say that you are doing the right thing by staying in touch. This is the sort of thing that takes time when you are not versed in setting them up. I never recommend horned lizards for beginners due to their mortality rates, but at least you have a species that is easier in captivity.

If this is indeed a store bought DHL, we still don't know whether it was captive bred or wild caught. In all probability chances are that this species was wild. But you cannot release it with good chances of success for it's survival without knowing more specifically where it came from. Many reptiles have a tendency to make a home where they grew up and stay there in that area. When they are released far from there, they are confused and may wander into trouble. More importantly, it is winter, and should not be released in the cold right now in unfamiliar territory. I am always all for release of a wild horned lizard when it can be done, but in this situation this does not sound viable at this point. If you feel at some point you do need to pass it on to a good home, then we could provide recommendations for experienced keepers.

It sounds that he is ready to hibernate since he stopped eating before the move. The move might also have stressed him a little and he needs some time to settle down and adjust. In light of the recent information about him I am going to say that you should keep him up for about a week for observation, then he could hibernate. Let him get some sun, water, see if he will eat small crikets, keep his lights on for about 10 hours ( not 16 ), get a thermometer for his tank ( small common mercury garden/outdoor variety can be found at Walmart for about $1. ), and watch for defecation everyday and note when you see it. It will be important for making sure his system is clean before he hibernates. If he does not eat in the next couple of days then I say don't worry about it because he will need to go down too soon anyway. Ideally, he needs to be given about 2-3 days without defecation to be sure he is clear. Just make sure he drinks as much as he wants. The little white crystals you will find is urates ( solid urine ) and is normal.

If you take him out for sun make sure the it's not in a high walled container that traps heat or blocks the sun. He should be allowed some access to direct unobstructed sunlight, along with some shade to retreat to as needed. 30min-1 hour would be good this time of year. Don't keep him in the aquarium either. I don't recommend a plastic bin usually, especially to take out in the sun. Though it is winter and there is less chance of it, a plastic bin retains heat and can overheat him quickly too. You could use one in a pinch now, but just remember to not make it a habit, especially when the weather gets warm again, or you could kill him.

Since I'm going to get on board with a recommendation to hibernate, you don't need to worry so much about the tank size right now. He will be sleeping. More important is finding a place to put him that can stay cold but above freezing. 40-50s ideally.

Another question we forgot to ask....he is in sand right?
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"A man that should call everything by it's right name, would hardly pass the streets without being knocked down as a common enemy." The Complete Works of George Savile, First Marquess of Halifax 1912,246

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