When do I worry?

[Wrath]

I got my baby sudan lizard last week, and he hates me. He is very shy and very traumatized, most likely because of the rough trip that he had in being delivered to me among other things. He did not eat the mealworms that I left in his bowl last week, and all three of the crickets that I put in his tank a few days ago have drowned in his water bowl. I have only seen him twice and I am trying to give him/her privacy to adjust.

When do I start to worry if he's not eating? He's about 12 weeks old I'm guessing and I don't want him to waste away. What should I do? The two times that I picked him up I thought he was going to die of fear. :(

Here's a pic of him so you can see how cute he is:

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/91lizard_sm.jpg

[Wrath]

I finally figured out how to post the pic of him!

[Samba]

Well.... I dunno if your animal is captive bred or wild caught but in any case plated lizards generally tend to be 'hyperactive.' (At least in my experience). Try leaving it alone for some time, only handling it when needed, and leaving food available to it. Perhaps a few days without available food will stimulate him once you offer it again. Give it time to adjust, remember he has no idea what you are doing with him, he's scared of being in a new a different place so it'll take time for him to get used to the situation. Once he begins eating again, I would recommend minimal handling daily (5 -10 mins.) to get him used to you. One technique I've used to tame lizards is to leave an article of worm clothing in with them (such as a small shirt, sock, etc.) that way they associate your scent with the comfort of their tanks. Hope to hear a positive update soon! Good Luck!

[Zoe]

Yeah, definitely don't handle it! Put a few dishes of food in his tank - some lettuce/kale and some mealies. And cover the cage with a blanket or towel, and stay the heck away for a little :) :) Give him time to adjust - he DEFINITELY won't want to eat if he is afraid you might come near him while he is out and vulnerable.

I used to try and tame mine - and she was terrorized. No matter how gentle I was, she always used to run away when I cam near. Now that I have given up she is calmer, doesn't mind being out if there are people around. But she is still hell to catch :)

Zoe

[Wrath]

I havent seen or touched him since....Thursday and it's Sunday night now. Yeah, I want him to adjust, but I'm hardly ever in my room, I'm at work and stuff, and even then he didnt eat his crickets! Silly lizard. Yeah, maybe I will put some clothes in there and cover the tank.

[Zoe]

Ah, okay, then he's probably just settling in. Offer him a variety of nummers (mealies, silkies, waxies) in a couple different bowls, leave him lots of water and check on him every day or every other day, and just for a moment. Make sure the bowl is low enough into the substrate so he can see inside them, too!

Zoe