Care Sheet for AnolesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 4.21 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 04/09/2004 |
Main Category: | Lizards |
Sub Category: | Anoles |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | HerpKeeparr89 |
Years Experience: | 3 to 5 Years |
Species: | Green Anole |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | This may cover all of the age stages of anoles, from hatchlings to adults. These care tips may not be used for any other kind of reptile as far as i know. |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Anoles are lizards with a long nose. They usually measure from 4 to 8 inches, of which most is the tail. They are arboreal which means they like the trees. They are very smart and fast when they feel threathed. Anoles are from humid and warm climates. Green anoles can be found all over of South Eastern US from southern Florida to eastern Texas. Some anoles have been found on the southern part of virginia. They enjoy basking under the warm rays. They are insectivore. The males are usually larger than the females. Males have a larger and more colorful dewlap which is the neck fan they use for territorial displays or to catch the females attention when the breeding season starts. Males also have two bigger "scales" just under where the tail starts. Over all anoles are really interesting lizards that are a lot of fun to watch for your intertaiment. They live up to 4 years in captivity. |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Green anoles are not terrestial but sometimes they may come down to the ground. A substrate must be provided. Sand is a horrible substrate, just the fact that anoles are not from the desert, should tell you its a dont. Wood chips might work but make sure they are not cedar because they are highly toxic. Just make sure if you use this, compact it really well because crickets and worms may hide under it. You may also use reptile carpet, just make sure its not the hairy one because it cuts the circulation on the lizard. Another not recomended substrate is pebbles or any kind of rock because too much bacteria grows in it. Another dont is soil from your backyard because it might have too much bacteria and other harmful things. Recommended substrate is the reptile carpet which i use myself but if you wish to try you may go ahead. Just make sure you are careful. For water, I mist my tank a lot of times everyday because they do not drink from bowls but from droplets on the leaves and walls. |
Lighting and UVB: | I highly recommend that you provide your anoles with a UVB light because this resembles natural sunlight. It also helps them process vitamin D3 and calcium which they really do need. You must be careful to keep it on about 12-14 hours everyday, if you miss the times, your anoles may get confused which may lead to stress. At night i provided them with a purple light, it is not a must but I did it for their benefit to keep night temperatures high; it is like moon light. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Anoles must be at least 80-85 degrees constantly. They also need a basking spot which needs to be around 85-90 degrees. Make sure that there is a cool side so that they can regulate their body temperatures. Remember reptiles are cold blooded so they depend on their suroundings for body temperature. At night temperatures may drop to the higher 60�s. SInce anoles are tropical, they need to be kept at a high humidity. You must mist their cage with purified water. Do not use tap water which contains chlorine and other chemicals which are toxic for lizards. Make sure that the humidity level stays between 60% and 80%. To read this you need a hygrometer. Also get two termometers, one for the cool side and one for the basking area. |
Heating and Equipment: | I use one of those neck lamps. I keep it on all the time with the UV light.Heat rocks a VERY harmful. PLEASE DO NOT BUY THOSE, they will burn your lizard and anoles need heat from above not from the ground. A heating pad placed under the tank for night time. You also need a screen cover to put it on top of the tank so they dont escape. |
Caging Provided: | For my own pets, i bought a lot of equipment. First of all i bought a 20 gallon tank. Then i put the reptile carpet in. Then i put in some wood sticks sold in pet stores which are a must because anoles love to climb on things. I also got an artifial plant although you can use natural but its kind of harder. I also bought them a waterfall with a fog maker which makes my cage look REALLY cool. It also helps to keep humidity up which is GOOD.I bought them one of those webs that you stick on the glass and they climb on them. I bought them a water sprayer to mist them. I bought them the heat lamp with the heat bulb. I bought them an aquarium lamp but then i put in the UV bulb. Some extra stuff i bougth were crickets, vitamin powder etc. I think this is just the basic set up exept for any of the fancy stuff but most of the things you HAVE to buy. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Anoles will eat any insect that fits in their mouth. But you have to know some things. Crickets is the main feeder, they are cheap and will eat on anything. Make sure you buy pin heads. They should be the main food. Once in a while you can feed them meal worms but not too much because they have a high level of chitin which is the our exoesqueleton which can cause stomach problems. You can just use them to vary the diet. Make sure they are small. You can also buy wax worms which are really nutritious but they contain too much fat. You can feed these as a treat because they really enjoy them or to help a skinny anole gain some weight. Wingless fruit flies you can do too. You can also feed them some peache baby food on a dish. If they show no interest in hour take it away because it will rot. You can try honey also. You can also catch your own insects but make sure they are from pesticide free areas. DO NOT feed them fire flies, ants bees and wasps. They are toxic. You can do silkworms too. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | You need to dust your crickets and worms with vitammin and calcium powder two to three times a week to boost up the nutritional value. This will help with your pets skin and other needs. They need these vitamins in order to live a healthy life and you can enjoy them to the fullest. |
Maintenance: | You need to watch out for any left food. TAke it out. Any poopie you also need to take out. But once every month you need to take your lizards out and clean the cage really well. Just a a few no nos, Dont use windex or any ammonia based products. DOnt use soap, and if you do rinse VERY well with hot water. To clean the glass, use a solution of water and vinager to remove the stains. let it all dry and put it all back. This is just some of the steps. I will add more later. Any questions, dont doubt to ask me. |
Some Words on this Species: | They are a lot of fun to watch hunting. They show you the wonders of nature and make you think of what god has created (i believe in gods creation for those dumies who think we came from monkies) ANyway they require a lot of work but you will get used to it. If you follow these simple steps you will have a grateful pet who you will enjoy for years. |
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