The Basics:

Lively, alert and wary, the Collared Lizard will often take a while to warm up to its human keeper. Although only medium in size, Collared Lizards have powerful jaws, and their bite is capable of breaking human skin. So care should be taken when handling them. However, they will grow to accept human handling over time, after gentle, measured and persistent overtures. In nature, Collared Lizards can be found in arid and semi-arid environments stretching from Missouri to California and down into Mexico. Most often they live in rocky areas. They typically grow to around a foot in length, with males being larger than females. Males are also more vividly colored than females, having a green or blue coloration with bands and small white spots, while the females are paler and grayer. A male's throat will also be brightly colored, often blue or
green and sometimes even orange. The belly of a Collared Lizard is much lighter than the back.

Enclosure:
They Need Space:

Collareds are very active lizards, so they must be housed in
enclosures that offer ample room. A single Collared Lizard should have an enclosure that's at least the size of a 40-gallon aquarium, with adequate ventilation. However, a
larger enclosure is more desirable. Male Collared Lizards are very territorial, and should never be housed together. In nature, Collareds are very active predators that will readily
eat other lizards, so smaller animals must not be housed with them. This includes members of their own species, since Collareds are cannibalistic.

Climbing And Hiding Places Required:

Wild Collared Lizards enjoy climbing and basking on rocks. This natural environment must be replicated in their enclosure, with a larger rock or rock pile in the basking area of the tank. If a pile is used, care must be taken to ensure that the rocks are stable, so they will not topple on to the lizard. The top of the rock pile should provide a surface that's large enough to allow the lizard to bask comfortably. Since Collareds are often wary animals, their enclosures must include hide boxes or other places that provide them with a secure retreat. This area can be located in the cooler section of the enclosure.

Lighting:
UVB Lighting Is Absolutely Essential:

Collared lizards need exposure to UVB rays to produce vitamin D3, which is essential to the animal's ability to absorb calcium. Unlike people, lizards like the Collared cannot produce their own Vitamin D3, so they must depend on UVB rays. Without Vitamin D3, a Collared Lizard will not have a sufficient supply of calcium even if it is given a supplement, a condition that will lead to the development of a metabolic bone disease. UVB rays should be provided to the Collared Lizard by a fluorescent bulb that also provides UVA rays and operates on a 10-12 hour on/off cycle. There are a variety of full spectrum lights available at PSP that emit UVB light in combination with UVA light. Fluorescent lamps producing UVB rays should be replaced every six months. Glass blocks out UVB light, so overhead light sources should be kept behind a wire mesh cover, not a glass or acrylic tank top. This light source should be within 12 inches of the animal. Important - see the Note About Day/Night Light Cycles and Heating below.

Temperature:
They Like It Hot And Dry:

Collared Lizards do best in an enclosure that is hot and
relatively dry. Daytime temperatures must range from the 75º to 90º (Fahrenheit) with a basking area with temperatures of 95º-105º Fahrenheit. (The basking area should include a basking rock or rock pile, with a heat lamp aimed at its highest point.) At night temperatures can be in the 73º to 85º range. Do not use “hot rocks,” which can harm the lizard skin in the basking area or anywhere in the enclosure. Also be sure that all rocks in the basking area are firmly secured in place, since falling rocks can crush this lizard. Heat can be provided by a combination of lamps. Nocturnal heat sources should be used to maintain temperature levels at night Three thermometers should monitor temperature, one in the warmer zone, one in the cooler zone and one in the basking area. Important - see the Note About Day/Night Light Cycles and Heating below.

Note About Day/Night Light Cycles and Heating:

All reptiles, including this pet, must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. (See the lighting entry above for the specific length of this animal’s day/night cycle.) The day period must be light; and night must be dark. A timer should be used to set day/night periods. If a heat source is required to maintain correct nighttime temperatures, use heat mats or strips mounted below or on the side of the tank, infrared heat lamps, ceramic heat emitters, or a combination of these products. This will allow the enclosure to be heated while remaining dark. Follow directions carefully with all products. If ceramic heat emitters are used always choose fixtures with porcelain or ceramic sockets and to protect against fires do not place them by dry wood or flammable fabrics. Ceramic heat emitters must be kept out of the reach of children and all pets, including dogs and cats.

Diet: Mostly Meat:

Collared Lizards are primarily carnivores, but many will also eat plant matter, including collard greens, mustard greens, kale and zucchini. Meat should constitute the majority of the Collared Lizard's diet. Collared Lizards will eat commercially raised crickets, mealworms, earthworms, kingworms and roaches. (Wild caught insects should never be fed, since they can carry disease.) All insects should be gut loaded (fed 48-hours before being offered) and dusted with a supplement. Collared Lizards will also take pinkie feeder mice, but these should be fed sparingly because of their high fat content. Plant matter fed to the lizard must be washed, then cut or shred to make it easier to ingest. Uneaten food should be removed within three hours. Adults should be fed 3-4 times a week and juveniles daily. Offer adults 12-24 appropriately-sized crickets per feeding and juveniles 6-12. Important -- It is necessary to provide calcium and vitamin supplements as part of the diet. Please read the supplement section below: