The Basics:

The Emerald Swift is a beautiful, but delicate lizard that is very difficult to keep. It has an extremely high mortality rate in captivity, often dying within one year. This lizard should never be purchased by anyone but the most experienced reptile keeper. Even then, the decision to own an Emerald Swift should be given careful consideration because of its special needs. A small stocky lizard, the Emerald Swift rarely grows much beyond seven inches. Females are smaller and much less colorful than males. All specimens in the pet trade are wild caught animals from the cloud forests of southern
Mexico and Central America. Diurnal lizards, Emerald Swifts are most active during the day. They are territorial, so males must not be housed together.

Enclosure:
The More Space The Better :

Emerald swifts are active lizards that require a large enclosure relative to their small body size. A 30-gallon glass tank, or preferably larger, should be used for a single male and one or two females. The tank should have a secure screen lid for proper air exchange. Climbing and basking branches and perches that are at least twice the diameter of the lizard's body should be provided. The enclosure should also include secure hiding places. Emerald swifts seem to do best when they have a variety of climbing, basking and hiding spots. It's a good idea to arrange climbing and basking branches vertically and horizontally. Pothos or a similar live plant makes a welcome addition to the enclosure, because it provides security and helps maintain humidity.

Substrate:
Select A Humidity Retainer:

The enclosure used in an Emerald Swift's enclosure should play an important role in maintaining the high humidity levels required by this lizard. Humidity retaining substrates like safe potting soil, mulch made from nonaromatic wood (no pine or cedar), and leaf litter work well. Since Emerald Swifts like to
burrow, a substrate that they can dig into may make them feel more secure. Any substrate in an Emerald Swift's enclosure must be cleaned daily.

Temperature:
Not Too Hot:

By lizard standards, Emerald Swifts seem to do best in relatively cool enclosures. The ambient temperatures should be in the mid-to-upper 70ºs to low 80ºs (Fahrenheit). A relatively warm basking area (in the mid-90ºs) should also be provided. This will allow the Emerald Swift to regulate body temperature by moving around the enclosure. Nighttime temperatures should be lowered to 70-74º. A combination of lamps and heat emitters can be used to maintain the desired thermal gradient, while a lamp can heat the basking spot. Ceramic heat emitters can be used to achieve nighttime temperatures without disturbing the on/off light cycle. Thermometers should be positioned in the warmer and cooler areas of the enclosure as well as in the basking spot. 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.

Humidity:
Relatively High Levels Required:

An Emerald Swift requires relatively high humidity levels in its enclosure to simulate its natural cloud forest environment. Between 50-70% humidity should be maintained. This can be accomplished by misting the enclosure 1-2 times a day with chlorine-free water, and using live plants. It is important to keep nighttime humidity levels high. A hygrometer should be used to measure humidity levels. Care should be taken not to create an enclosure environment that is too humid, since this will promote fungal infections and jeopardize the health of the lizard.

Diet:
Insects Are The Main Course:

Insects should make up the bulk of an Emerald Swift's
diet. However, some will also accept and appreciate an occasional sweet fruit. Commercially available crickets, mealworms, butter worms, as well as the occasional waxworm, are all appropriate fare for this lizard. Insects should be gut loaded and dusted with a supplement before being offered to the Emerald Swift. Adults should be fed every other day and juveniles should be fed daily. Portion size should be as much as animal can consume in 15-20 minutes. (Adults will get about 15-20 medium-sized crickets per week.) Important -- It is necessary to provide calcium and vitamin supplements as part of the diet. Please read the supplement section below:

Dust insects with calcium supplement and vitamin supplements. As a rule, a growing juvenile's food should be dusted more often than an adult's. Follow product label directions when applying supplements, and avoid over-supplementing food. The following is a possible supplementing schedule for this reptile. Our veterinarian recommends dusting insects with a plain calcium supplement every time they are offered to the pet. (Avoid using a calcium supplement with added phosphorous, unless specifically directed by your veterinarian, since this can promote kidney disease.) Our veterinarian also recommends dusting insects with a D3 supplement once a week and a vitamin supplement two times a month. This is only one recommendation, consult your veterinarian for specific directions on supplementing your pet’s food, since there are many variables that go into determining the best supplementing regimen for a given animal.