Be sure the cage is enclosed so that the lizard doesn’t escape.
While it’s okay to put live plants, vines, and branches into your lizard’s home, be sure they don’t carry too much moisture. The Texas spiny lizard prefers a drier environment. It’s best to put a mixture of live and fake climbing surfaces into the cage. [5] X Research source If you find plants outside, make sure they are free of bugs and are not poisonous. [6] X Research source One of the Texas spiny lizard’s hobbies is digging into decayed logs. Put a piece of an old log into the cage once every few weeks to give the lizard a nice activity.
It’s best to get a hollowed out log so that your lizard can hide completely. You can buy a hollowed out log at most pet stores. If you’re handy, make one yourself![8] X Research source You’ll also want to have a part of the cage left open for the lizard to play in. Try to put this on the opposite side of the cage from the hiding spot.
Make a basking platform around 12 inches from the basking light. The UVB rays aren’t strong enough to be placed any farther away from the lizard. [10] X Research source Only put lighting on one side of the cage since your lizard needs a cool place as well. Ask about how to properly set up cage lighting at a local pet store to ensure your lizard’s health and safety.
Feed your lizard once a day. If your lizard is active and healthy, feed them as much as they can eat over a 15-20 minute time period. If they are overweight, talk to a vet about a diet plan that will keep your lizard healthy. [12] X Research source Be sure that the insects are relatively small in comparison to the lizard’s head. Otherwise the lizard may suffer digestive problems. Cut the insects yourself if the pieces seem too large. If you live near fields or meadows that are not sprayed with insecticides, you can collect your own insects (known as “field plankton”) with a sweep net during warmer months. [13] X Research source Remove any uneaten insects from the cage immediately after feeding. [14] X Research source
If the water splashes around too much you’ll have to clean the substrate to keep the habitat dry. [16] X Research source
First, remove your lizard from the cage and place in a safe spot while you clean. Remove all decorations from the cage and clean with hot, soapy water. Clean the food and water bowls with hot, soapy water. For a homemade cleanser, mix 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dishwashing detergent (such as Palmolive® or Dawn®) and 1 ounce (30 ml) of household bleach into 1 quart of water. Clean cage surfaces with hot, soapy water. Then clean again with a disinfectant. For disinfectant, use a bleach solution containing 1 part bleach to 16 parts water. [19] X Research source Let the cage dry before replacing decorations, food bowls, and the lizard. [20] X Research source
If you put a male and female together in a cage, they will likely breed.
If you must pick up the lizard for a cage cleaning, use your palm and fingers to cup the lizard’s body from its neck to its cloaca, or neck vent. Then, gentle lift up the lizard in one fluid motion. Do not hold the lizard by its tail as the tail can break off.
