Common Iguana
Iguana iguana
An important requirement for lizards is sunlight. Often, a lizard seems to be eating and doing well in captivity, but suddenly dies. This may be due to a lack of sunlight. In many instances the animal may not eat at all. If direct sunlight is not available, it can be substituted by the use of a vita-lite bulb. This bulb, which looks like a fluorescent bulb, can often be purchased from a large plant store or directly from the manufacturer.
Lizards often have a more precise temperature requirement than other reptiles. A daytime temperature range of 85 to 90°F, and dropping to 80°F at night is usually best for the tropical species. Many of the North American desert species also require a high daytime temperature. Adult tegus and monitors can be kept at slightly lower temperatures, usually from 72 to 76°F. As with snakes, the temperature in the lizard cage can be controlled with a light bulb. The size of the cage will determine the size of the bulb needed. As previously stated, temperature can be critical, and many lizards will die if not kept warm enough. Never guess at the cage temperature—always have a small thermometer in the cage, and check it often.
Keeping lizards healthy can be a challenging but also frustrating experience. There is very little information available on lizard diseases. These reptiles are susceptible to many of the diseases that snakes get, and often the symptoms are the same. Lizards can get mouth rot, respiratory infections, parasites (both internal and external), eye infections, and other common reptile diseases. One disease that is common in lizards is impaction of the intestines. This is common in insect eaters that are being fed only meal worms. Often, the impaction is not noticed until after the animal dies. If the lizard is alone, keep track of its food intake and fecal output. If an extended period goes by and the lizard is not making fecal matter, then there could be a physical blockage in the intestine. Put a little mineral oil up the cloaca—this will help to loosen the blockage. The best cure is preventive procedures. Feed a variety of insects if possible, but don’t feed all meal worms.
The other diseases that lizards are susceptible to can be treated by using the same medications used for snakes. Dosages, of course, must be less, for we are usually dealing with a much smaller animal.
Good husbandry along with preventive medicine are the best ways to keep your lizard healthy. Keep the cage clean, feed a proper diet, supply sunlight or artificial light, and most important: know the lizards’ requirements and natural history.
The following is a list of lizards that usually can be kept successfully in captivity:
| Green Iguana: | A lizard from Central and South America, mostly herbivorous, is arboreal, and can grow to 6 feet. |
| Tegu: | A large carnivore from South America, feeds on mice, not tame. |
| Monitors: | Large carnivores from the Old World, most do well. |
| Glass Lizards: | Insectivores from North America, will eat dog food, tail breaks off easily. |
| Tokay Gecko: | Will eat any small animal or insect. Make good pets. |
| Amevias: | Same as tegu. |
