Re: Desert Horned Lizard Set-up

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Posted by Mark Berger on September 24, 2002 at 17:40:45:

In Reply to: Re: Desert Horned Lizard Set-up posted by Les4toads on September 24, 2002 at 16:15:34:

I was wrong, they are almost the size of a quarter.

Are there any ants that are not safe? They loved the ants that we saw them eat and were told they are harvesters. We will do whatever it takes to keep them healthy and safe.

Are ants like crickets, in that they will harm the animal if left in there to long? If so, do you remove them from their enclosure to feed them, esp. while trying to find the right ants?

One of them likes to burrow in under the hot spot, one likes to bask on the rocks. Is that usual?

Is there anyhting we can use for our work with Colorado Reptile Rescue on your page to help with why people should leave the HLs where they are? We get a lot of calls about reptiles people have picked up, and the best advice is still, "Put it back!!!" Occationally we get a CB or one that is in need of rehabing before going back.

I know I am full of questions... I am really thankful for the advice and help.

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::::Captive bred? How old are the HLs? Your set up sounds okay so far. What size enclosure are you using? Water is a necessary item for HLs. They do get most of their water from food prey, but Desert HLs do like water to drink also. Think of the summer rains that happen in the deserts. A shallow water dish works great. Distilled water, no tap water. Too many minerals and additives. It is good you have a natural supply of ants. What state are you in? This will be a better info for the kind of ants. Lester G. Milroy III

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::Aimee and Mark, the ants you have ordered will probably be too big for hatchling Desert Horned Lizards. You will have to collect ants in your area of differeent varities and experiment. The problem working with hatchlings is their size and the food prey.
:Hatchling HLs do not eat the same ants as adults. There are several differ and genera/species that HLs eat and you have to find the ants that are acceptable to the HLs. Offer different ants and observe. Hatchling HLs should not be sold until they are at least 1 year old. Their survival rate in the wild is about 40% of a clutch group. (typically 14 eggs in a clutch). They are very hard to care for, but give it a go and see what happens. Lester G. Milroy III

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Re: Desert Horned Lizard Set-up Les4toads 09/24/02 (0)