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[[Image:light4.JPG|350px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:DSC01793.JPG|300px|thumb|right|[[Monitor|Green tree monitor]] enclosure at ZSL London Zoo. Clamy, RVC 2010]]

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. For example:

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. For example:

* Reptiles kept in an environment that is too cold may begin to regurgitate undigested food or will abstain from [[Lizard Feeding|eating]], eventually becoming ill and dying.  

* Reptiles kept in an environment that is too cold may begin to regurgitate undigested food or will abstain from [[Lizard Feeding|eating]], eventually becoming ill and dying.  

* If kept in humidity that is too high or too low, they may refuse to eat, have difficulties [[Lizard Shedding|shedding]], and may develop respiratory infections or [[Lizard Skin Diseases|skin lesions]].

* If kept in humidity that is too high or too low, they may refuse to eat, have difficulties [[Lizard Shedding|shedding]], and may develop respiratory infections or [[Lizard Rostral Abrasions|skin lesions]].

* Failure to duplicate [[Lizard Husbandry Requirements|appropriate photoperiods and temperature]] in captivity may result in compromising the reproductive cycles and [[Lizard Reproduction|reproduction]] could become sporadic or stop alltogether.

* Failure to duplicate [[Lizard Husbandry Requirements|appropriate photoperiods and temperature]] in captivity may result in compromising the reproductive cycles and [[Lizard Reproduction|reproduction]] could become sporadic or stop alltogether.

You will need to have a thorough understanding of the suitable environment and [[Lizard Diet|diet]] for diagnosis and treatment. The caging of lizards is often poorly understood by owners.  

You will need to have a thorough understanding of the suitable environment and [[Reptile Diet Composition|diet]] for diagnosis and treatment. The caging of lizards is often poorly understood by owners.  

 

'''For information on species specific husbandry requirements, see''' [[Lizard Husbandry Requirements|Lizard Husbandry Requirements]].

'''For information on husbandry requirements, see''' [[Lizard Husbandry Requirements|Lizard Husbandry Requirements]].

== Visual security ==

== Visual security ==

== Heat ==

== Heat ==

Reptiles are ectothermic vertebrates that regulate body temperature by behavioural and physiological processes. Most species operate within a [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|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 [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|POTZ]] is necessary for optimum metabolic processes including [[Lizard Digestion|digestion]], growth, healing, [[Lizard Reproduction|reproduction]] and immune system function.

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

* Heat should be provided by a radiant source; a 60 to 100 watt incandescent bulb is usually adequate. Daytime temperatures of 29-32°C are optimal with a basking area around 5°C above this. Night temperatures can drop 5°C below the day temperature.

* Heat should be provided by a radiant source; a 60 to 100 watt incandescent bulb is usually adequate. Daytime temperatures of 29-32°C are optimal with a basking area around 5°C above this. Night temperatures can drop 5°C below the day temperature.

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 [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|POTZ]] can result in localised [[Lizard Skin Diseases|burns]], systemic effects and death. The most popular heat source, the hot rock, is therefore inappropriate for many species and may be dangerous.

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 [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|POTZ]] can result in localised [[Lizard Burns|burns]], systemic effects and death. The most popular heat source, the hot rock, is therefore inappropriate for many species and may be dangerous.

== Substrate ==

== Substrate ==

== Light ==

== Light ==

[[Image:lizard_sun.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Lizard basking in the sun''' (Wikicommons)]]

[[Image:Spiny_tailed_lizard_enclosure.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Spiny-tailed lizard (''Uromastyx flavifasciata'') enclosure at ZSL London Zoo. Clamy, RVC 2010]]

'''See lighting requirements''' [[Lizard Husbandry Requirements|here]].

'''See lighting requirements''' [[Lizard Husbandry Requirements|here]].

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.

The full spectrum of natural light is important for the health of lizards. Ultraviolet wavelengths are specifically important for vitamin D and [[Calcium - Reptiles|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.

* A consistent photoperiod of 14 hours light and 10 hours dark is recommended. An ultraviolet light source should be available within two feet of the lizard (Note: UV light will not penetrate glass).

* A consistent photoperiod of 14 hours light and 10 hours dark is recommended. An ultraviolet light source should be available within two feet of the lizard (Note: UV light will not penetrate glass).

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.

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 ==

== Enclosure ==

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.

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.

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

== Water and humidity ==

== Water and humidity ==

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

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

[[Category:Lizard_Husbandry|H]]

[[Category:Lizard_Husbandry|H]]