Feeding

There is still a lot to leam regarding the diets of lizards in captivity. In fact, relatively little is known of the actual nutritional requirements of most lizard species. The principIes of feeding insect-eating lizards employed by most herpetoculturists are the result of relatively few scientific studies, plus considerable experimentation and observation by hobbyists and zoo personnel. Although we don't always know the reasons these methods work, improved health and longevity, as well as increasing success at captive breeding, suggest that the underlying assumptions and principIes must be essentially correcto

Feeding is not the only answer

Misconceptions exist as to the role of feeding in relation to an animal' s health. By itself, feeding is not enough to assure the long-term survival of a lizard in captivity. Before the issue of feeding is addressed by the hobbyist, other aspects of maintenance must be taken care of, including: selection of an adequate enclosure; a heat source, as well as a heat gradient within the enclosure; the right kind of lighting; the right kind of landscaping; the right level of relative humidity; adequate ventilation, and; water. When conditions are right, the probability of an animal feeding, putting on weight and faring well increases. Feeding will not be a priority for a lizard that is stressed (such as too cold, too warm, too nervous, dying of thirst, etc.).

The staples

In recent years, several species of commercially bred insects have become available in the pet trade, the fish bait trade and through biological supply houses. These should be primary choices as the diet staple for most insect-eating lizards. As a rule, commercially raised insects can provide a good basic diet for a wide variety of these lizards, once the insects are nutrient loaded and then dusted with a vitamin/ mineral supplement before being offered as food.

Other altematives include field-collected insects and spiders (some Europeans call these field plankton"), which can be obtained by beating grasses and other plants in fields and/or meadows, and running through with an insect neto But if one is busy and limited for time, commercially raised and readily obtainable insects are probably the easiest and most logical source. In addition, you can never be surethat insects collected in the field do not contain agricultural chemicals which could have a harmful effect on your animals.

A popular nutritional phrase these days states, "You are what you eat." If you are a predator, like a reptile, you are also what your prey eats. Every time a lizard eats an insect in the wild, It consumes the insect, plus any plant or animal contents In the Intestine of that insect. This can be seen as nature's way for the lizard to get its meat and veggies all In one neat packet. The contribution of insect gut contents to the diet of an Insectivorous Lizard should not be ignored. This can be a means of providing Important vitamins and minerals, as well as plant compounds, which can contribute to the animal's health, well being and brightness of coloration.