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Originally Posted by Oghmius
Hello, Forum Members,
Is there anywhere here who has Jeweled Lacertas? I'm very seriously considering getting a male and female from Bert at Agama International, but wanted to ask some questions first.
The first question concerns their relative tameness. I have read a lot of different things about this quality in these particular lizards. Some say they get very tame and can be easily handled, while others say they are skittish/flighty and often bite. As always, I'm sure there is considerable differences in individuals, and how much proper handling they receive.
Second: just what is the right minimum tank/cage size for a pair of these animals?
Third: will they take anything other than live prey for food? I'm thinking of supplementing with a very high-grade, natural cat food like Natural Balance (which has worked wonders in my Irian Jaya BTS).
Thank you.
Oghmius
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I think we spoke via private email through Bert recently?
A pair should have a 30- 40 gallon tank. Make sure the cage is properly closed and clipped because they are escape artists. Also it would be wise to start them in a 10 gallon because of the size they are when small. They are TINY. A large cage could prove disasterous when they are hatchlings. Are you getting adults or babies?
Be prepared with another cage to seperate if necessary. They can be very territorially agressive animals.
Mine love insects and mouse pinks. When he was smaller I would buy Frozen and cut them up and then let them thaw in a dish then serve. He also eats cat food but only once a month at most. I buy different premium foods at the pet store....but whatever food you end up with it's still canned food. High in D3, high in many things you don't want on an ongoing basis. Fresh whole prey is the best diet for these guys. They also need a small shallow container of water that they can easily get out of...they are not swimmers but like to soak when given a proper water source.
They thrive on moist cypress, and love to burrow so humidity is not a factor as long as you keep the substrate moist. They enjoy rocks, wood and small shelves within the enclosure. Mine loves to bask upon a brick I found at the beach in NY. The ocean made it smooth and the basking light warms it from above....he goes from there to the shelf I installed for him to adjust the heat under his belly.
They are quite hardy so temp fluctuations do not hurt them and nightime intense heat is not required. If you home stays reasonable at night (at least 65) then no nighttime heat is necessary.
UVB is important and a good MVB is all you need for these guys...timed for 12-14 hours a day in a dome and you have all your equiptment.
I love my lacerta. He's beautiful, interesting and easy to keep.
I have never had a day where he gave me any problems.....just be mindful that you will not be able to handle yours for a long time. When small they drop their tails VERY easily. It's best to put off handling for at least 6 months.
After they put on some size they can then start to be handled if your very careful. They are fast as juvies too. Mine is just starting to calm down now....below are pictures for reference. If you have any more questions feel free to post them. I love talking about them and not many people keep them so it's hard to find other JL heads
Below, the photos of me holding him between my fingers were taken on day one...the photos of me holding him on my hand with the glove was taken last month, as was the one of him in his water dish. The other one I believe was taken last year---just to give you an idea.
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