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Eastern Collared Lizard General Info: Length up to 14". Due to their
beautiful skin coloration and pattern, collared lizards are becoming very
popular pets. Some have been known to accept small amounts of vegetation
as part of their regular diet.
Temperature/Humidity: Ideal daytime temperature for eastern collared
lizards should range between 85 and 95 degrees. Additionally, a basking
lamp should be used on one end of the enclosure to maintain a local temperature
of 110-120 degrees. Nighttime temperature should remain between 65 and
75 degrees. The humidity for these lizards should be kept at or near 35
percent. Lighting: All diurnal lizards (mainly active during the day)
require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Both UVA and UVB
lighting is recommended for 12 hours per day. The use of a timer will
assist in maintaining an accurate schedule of light periods.
Feeding/Watering: Collared lizards do well on a diet consisting of
a variety of vitamin/calcium dusted insects such as crickets, mealworms
and waxworms. Mixed vegetables and fruits can be offered weekly for variety.
Misting the enclosure regularly should allow for enough water intake.
Adult lizards should be fed 3-4 times per week; some juveniles can be
fed twice daily during their growing period.
Habitat/Housing: Successful permanent maintenance requires a 25-40
gallon long terrarium. A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange.
The enclosure must include a high basking area, hiding space (preferably
made of rocks), and a "cool" area to allow for thermoregulation. Habitat
design should mimic their natural desert habitat. Unless breeding is desired,
these lizards are best kept singularly. Substrate (Bedding): Repti-Sand
is an ideal substrate for desert terrariums.
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