Lizard Housing

Most diseases of lizards in captivity are due to poor husbandry. Reptile Maladaption Syndrome has previously been seen as a disease where reptiles fail to adapt to life in captivity. In fact, it is a problem directly associated with poor husbandry, however subtle, and not a problem with the reptile.

You will need to have a thorough understanding of the suitable environment and diet for diagnosis and treatment. The caging of lizards is often poorly understood by owners. Hot rocks, for example, are popular but can cause burns and should not be used.

Visual security

A place to hide should be provided for all cage inhabitants. Many species refuse to eat and may become stressed if they lack a hiding place. If a lizard doesn't use its hiding place, something is wrong with the hiding place and a different size or shape should be tried.

Heat

Reptiles are ectothermic vertebrates that regulate body temperature by behavioural and physiological processes. Most species operate within a preferred optimum temperature zone (or POTZ) that, in the wild, shows seasonal variation. Knowing the POTZ is imperative for long-term captive maintenance since supplemental heating is necessary for captive lizards. Reaching their POTZ is necessary for optimum metabolic processes including digestion, growth, healing, reproduction and immune system function.

Most lizard species, such as iguanas, derive external heat from basking in the sun, not from laying on rocks heated by the sun. Exposure to temperatures above the POTZ can result in localised burns, systemic effects and death. The most popular heat source, the hot rock, is therefore INAPPROPRIATE for many species and may be dangerous.

Substrate

An ideal substrate is one that is absorbent, digestible if swallowed, inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing. Selection must be tailored to the particular needs of the individual species (e.g. burrowing or desert species may require sand which is usually not suitable for other species).

Suitable substrates may include newspaper, carpet, bark chips, pellets and mulch. Avoid gravel, crushed corn cob, kitty litter, wood shavings and substrates that can be ingested

Light

The full spectrum of natural light is important for the health of lizards. Ultraviolet wavelengths are specifically important for vitamin D and calcium metabolism. There are two bands of UV: UVA and UVB. UVA (320-400nm) produces beneficial behavioural and psychological effects but does not activate vitamin D precursors in the skin. UVB (290-320nm) is necessary for vitamin D synthesis.

However, artificial lights cannot replace natural sunlight and even a few minutes of exposure to unfiltered sunlight is beneficial. Slow deliberate lizards may become far more active with a small amount of time in sunlight each day. Although artificial light provides UVB and vitamin D3 may be available as a supplement, there is no substitute for natural sunlight.

Cage

Lizards that are allowed to roam free in the house are subject to chilling (lack of access to a heat source, too much access to cold outside walls and windows, and draughts), trauma (stepped on, closed in doors, falling, attacked by cat/dog) and escape.

Ensure the enclosure is of the proper size and orientation (consider vertical height for arboreals, width and depth to enable proper thermoregulation, space for active and wide-ranging species and multiple inhabitants) and has doors large enough for access.

Water and humidity

Correct humidity and temperature is necessary to ensure proper ecdysis. High humidity and temperature can result in rapid growth of bacteria and mould in the cage but this can be prevented with adequate ventilation and hygiene.

Drinking water can be offered in bowls (which may also be used for bathing), by misting or a drip system. Chameleons do not drink from water bowls and require drip systems and species such as Water dragons require water for submersion.