Care Sheet for Horned LizardsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.69 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 02/14/2006 |
Main Category: | Lizards |
Sub Category: | Horned Lizards |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Ajay |
Years Experience: | Under 1 Year |
Species: | Horned Lizards |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | N/A |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Before I start,let me just say that Horned Lizards are not for the inexperienced lizard owners.I myself do not own a Horned Lizard.I am just using information that I have read and researched about the Horned Lizard.A friend of mine owns a Horned Lizard,so he has also helped me with some questions.Horned Lizards are illegal to keep in the states of Texas and Oklahoma.That said,lets continue.
I have not yet learned how to determine the sex of the Horned Lizard.As soon as I do though,I will update this care sheet.Feel free to message me if you do know how to sex Horned Lizards. |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | You can find water dishes at most pet stores.You can use any kind of water dish that is big enough for the Horned Lizard to get in,but also small enough for it to get out.
For the substrate,I suggest using BedABeast.I have heard of people using sand,but the Horned Lizard may accidentally swallow some and that may cause impaction.In case you were wondering,impaction is when a lizard swallows sand and it stops up its intestines.Impaction is usually fatal if the lizard is not taken to a vet. |
Lighting and UVB: | Like all lizards,Horned Lizards require a UVB Light.It is necessary for the lizard to properly process vitamins and minerals and recieve vitamin D3.I would also suggest using a 100W spotlight to give the encloser a look that is similar to its natural home.Also,you will need to replace the bulbs of the lights every 6 months,as they lose the UV part of the spectrum and the lizard will not receive the proper UV to process vitamins and minerals. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | The temperature should be around 88-93 degrees during the day and 80-86 degrees at night.The temperature should never go below 70 degrees.I suggest misting the tank once or twice a day to keep relative humidity. |
Heating and Equipment: | Like all lizards,Horned Lizards require a UVB Light.I would also suggest using a 100W spot light with the UVB Light to give it a look similar to its natural habitat.Also,you will need to replace the bulbs of the lights every 6 months or so,as they lose the UV part of the spectrum and the lizard will not receive the proper UV to process vitamins and minerals.I do not suggest using underground heating pads,as they are not necessary.Heating rocks can burn the Horned Lizard`s belly,so they should not be used either. |
Caging Provided: | Since Horned Lizards are very territorial,I would suggest using a 20-30 gallon aquarium for one Horned Lizard and a 40-50 gallon aquarium for two Horned Lizards would work.It is better if you house your Horned Lizards in separate aquariums though. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | The toughest thing abut Horned Lizards is that they mainly feed on Harvester Ants.You can order the ants through Life Studies’ Horned Lizard Food.You can get them for:100 ants for $4 150 for $6 200 for $8 500 for $10 and 1000 for $20,Priority Mail shipping is $3.50.I suggest keeping the ants in a separate aquarium,maybe a 10-15 gallon aquarium.If you are lucky,your Horned Lizards might eat crickets or beetles as a part of its diet.If you decide to feed them those,then be sure that they are smaller than the Horned Lizards head. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | If your Horned Lizard will eat crickets,then I suggest dusting them with Rep-Cal`s Vitamin/Calcium D3,or Heptivite. |
Maintenance: | Depending on how dirty it is,the aquarium should be cleaned every 1-3 weeks.Do not use soap,but use hot water.Try to avoid constantly picking up the Horned Lizard,as it puts it under alot stress when its messed with.You can pick it up if necessary though,like when cleaning the aquarium. |
Some Words on this Species: | Like I said at the top,Horned Lizards are not for the inexperienced lizard owners. If you have experience with reptiles and are willing to spend alot of time and money in taking care of them,then you should be fine. |
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