A Sudan Plated Lizard - if it is Gerrhosaurus major and not some other species mistakenly identified - is small at only 8 inches total length. In that case it would still be a juvenile and is likely to be more easily stressed. I have never been fond of aquaria for housing reptiles and that could be a contributing stress factor as well. You might make sure the tank is in a low-traffic area and maybe even cover the sides and back with newspaper. As far as foods go I would continue offering live food daily in a bowl and leave the animal alone to eat. Also I would try to offer fragrant fruits such as strawberries, bananas, kiwi, etc. You can also try canned dog food and try offering fresh greens and vegetables. There is one prepared food that my Gerrhosaurids all eat without complaint - Ectotherm Yummies. I think the name is pretty lame as far as marketing goes, but I've used several of their foods and my Plateds as well as Box Turtles, Blue Tongue Skink, and Ctenosaur all will eat it. Foods I use now and that are taken readily are Ectotherm Iguana, Forest Tortoise, and Bearded Dragon. If all of these suggestions fail to help then before you go to tube feeding I would suggest using smashed insects such as superworms or wax worms offered on long tweezers. Rub the guts of the smashed worms around the mouth of lizard to get it to lick it's mouth and hopefully induce a feeding response. Hope this helps.
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Matt Campbell

Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House

Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois



Assistant Curator

Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, Illinois

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