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CARING FOR YOUR BLUETONGUE LIZARD
Housing
- Bluetongues have
a preferred body temperature (PBT) of 28ºC and their enclosure should
provide a temperature range of 2-3ºC either side of this PBT.
- Use of ceramic
or infra-red heat-lamps in, or over, one end of the enclosure. Provision
of logs or rocks placed under and around the heat source allow your lizard
to sit at varying distances from it and a hollow log or upturned flower
pot provides a cool retreat.
- A source of
ultraviolet light, either through exposure to unfiltered, natural
sunlight, or an artificial UVB light will help prevent metabolic bone
disease. Remember to replace the light regularly (every 3-6 months) as it
will lose UV strength, even though it still emits visible light.
- The enclosure
(ideally made of wood and perspex) should be large enough for your
bluetongue to move around freely and a clean, good quality substrate, replaced
regularly, will encourage it to burrow.
- Thermometers and
thermostats are essential.
- Humidity should
be maintained between 35-75% to provide as natural as possible an
environment for your bluetongue — this can be achieved by placing a
shallow dish of water in the enclosure.
Feeding
- Feed your
bluetongue every two days in warm weather, in colder weather every three
days. Remember — if the enclosure temperature is not right your bluetongue
may refuse to eat.
- Your bluetongue
should be offered a variety of foods such as insects eg crickets,
superworms, snails and slugs, worms, clover, dandelion, mulberry leaves,
milk thistle, watercress, chopped fruits and vegetables (such as banana,
apple, pawpaw, pear, green beans, carrots, alfafa sprouts, parsley and
tomato). Small amounts of moistened dog kibble and canned dog food
may be given occasionally. Reptile supplements are also available.
- Ensure foods
such as insects and snails have not been in contact with any insecticides
or oleander trees as these contain poisons.
- Add a calcium
supplement to the food once a week.
Health Care
- Book a yearly
health check to check faeces and detect general health problems.
eg
parasite infestations and bacterial infections.
- Annual blood
screening, X-rays, and/or bacterial cultures are recommended for certain
pet lizards.
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