horned lizard

[snakeman92]

I just got a horn lizard from a friend cant let it go be in a cage to long and was wondering if u guys could give me a good care sheet on them thanks

[lance]

hey i think russel behr(sp) had some a while back he might be able to help you out
look for him in the members section
i think he's under berherp or something like that

[Linds]

All I know is that they feed on ants and have that ever so nifty self-defense mechanism Unless you are talking about Mountain Horned Lizards, they aren't quite as picky with their diet. They will eat crickets, etc

[silke]

yeah..all i know is they like heat and ants
sorry dude

[snakeman92]

its ok, i knew they eat ants got alot of those outside i will feed him

[NiagaraReptiles]

Keep 'em pretty hot and dry with occasional misting. Sandy/rocky terrain too, if I remember correctly. Of coarse they do eat ants, but I seem to recall a person out that way that has bred them and actuall got the babies to eat pinheads. Sorry, I can't remember who but they were at the fall TARAS show last year.

[snakeman92]

ok
thanks i was also wondering if it is ok to put a couple of live plant in there like any thing from the desert

[Jaylyn]

Hi!

Do you what species? WC or CB (which is very rare)? Most horned lizards require ants as the staple in their diet. Their bodies have evolved to make a "neutralizer" for the formic acid. If they do not get the formic acid in their diet - then the neutralizer slowly poisons (painfuly) them. Not nice. They do have quite specific care requirements - and there is not alot of good information about keeping them in captivity. From my experience and research - I don't think they make hardy pets. There is some evidence that the ant species in Canada are not compatible with the HL's biology.

Most HL's are wild caught - many of the illegally. Parasite loads can be heavy while they are deprived of a natural diet. A fecal would be a good idea. It also should have been starting to hibernate by now.

There is a Horned Lizard Forum on ************** - Lester Milroy is extremely knowledgable and should be able to give you a hand. The archives are full of good information.

Best of Luck!!!

Jaylyn