Horned Lizard

[eaglesWR7]

Recently attened the Repticon show here in Jacksonville. Very impressed. Problem was I saw a Horned Lizard (horny toad) and had to get one. So I bought one under the impression that they were like most lizards, chunky but slender. Turns out these specimens were extremely underfed and near death. So now Ive got this beautiful lil man with me im trying to save from dying. Ive talked to some of the experts and they want me to ship him in to see if an IV can save him. Ive at least got him eating now. But his activity level isnt were it should be. His name is Draco and hopefully I can get this lil guy to pull through. Anyone with experience please let me know how I can help him out. Thanks! Enjoi the pics....

THANKS!

 

[Fishyfan]

What is he eating? I was under the impression that the majority of their diet is made up of certain types of ants...

 

[eaglesWR7]

Yea 60-90% harvester ants. Ive had him take a couple of dusted crix too. Ive soaked him each day in a warm bath (about 3-4 days now) Pretty neat how the water runs up his legs to his mouth so he can drink** But I want him to get some energy in him. Ive seen pics of peoples on the net and man, hes WAYY to skinny.

THANKS

 

[flopping flamingos]

Holy crap! It looks like a dragon nice pickup!

 

[CTU2fan]

Well if he's eating at least you've got a chance to fatten him up. How hot are you keeping the temps? They want to be over 100F on the hot end in the daytime but I think you can let it cool to room temp at night.

 

[coura]

Holy crap! It looks like a dragon nice pickup!

That is not a nice pickup, for what Im seeing that is literaly a "dead lizard walking". I still wonder why people buy this lizards ,and why sellers still offer them for that matter. This lizards are for extremely experienced keepers only and even they can have trouble keeping them. These are some of the most dificult lizards to keep alive, let alone make them trive and breed. I think this are all stuff to think before you buy one and even with a healty wild cauth one your chances would be slim, let alone a sick one. Even if you are a experienced keeper never buy one of this guys from a pet store or expo, because they tend to be in very poor condicion and you are just encoraging them to cach and sell more. I think more than 99% of them die. If you must have one of this guys Do your homework first, learn how to keep them properly and see if you can extablish several ant colonies (in fact I remenbar seing some for sale on kingsnake). Then try to locate a breeder and learn from him. There are guys out there that are not only able to keep this critters alive and well but also breed them (a few in the US and less than a hand full in Europe). A healty yearling is the ideal for you to get. Until then try to find a vet as soon as possible for your critter or send him to someone experiensed that is able to treat him. Its his last hope.

 

[eaglesWR7]

Yea, im actully shipping him to the foundation i talked to. Hes going to try IV fluids to get him back healthy.

THANKS

 

[davo]

Kinda sad they are available like they are. I'll hope this guy makes it for you.

 

[Mad About Cichlids]

It is even safe to ship an animal in that kind of condition?

 

[eaglesWR7]

Its completely safe, as long as you prepare for it. You must make sure hes hydrated, has less holes so he has more CO2 in the package, it helps him brethe more regularly. Also you need a cold pack to keep him from burning all his calories while in shipping. Feed him once the day before and make sure its protected well. Im really sorry I found him in this shape, but its a plus because I have a chance to keep him from dying, which he certainly would if kept in their care.

THANKS!