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Agamas

(Lizards Of The Family Agamidae)

Biology

Most agamas are medium sized lizards from the old world and Australia. The tail is about half the total length. They are modestly coloured but depending on how the mood takes them they can have quite colourful flashes and patterns. They inhabit many types of habitat but the desert forms seem to do best in captivity.

Housing

Agamas are best housed in as large a cage as possible. Because of their rapid rate of growth and the heating and lighting equipment they need, purpose made vivaria are probably the most appropriate. The types with sliding glass doors to the front being especially resistant to escape. Another often-used cage is a converted aquarium. A special adapting lid is used to contain the reptiles and house any equipment that may be used. As a guide the cage should be a minimum 60 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm for a single medium sized specimen but 90 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm for an adult pair. Of course, the cage could be larger as this would allow the animal room to grow and make it easier for the owner to manage the environment. The cage should be set up in a manner similar to the diagram over leaf. It will be necessary to provide a local hot spot near 40ºC, while the coolest part of the cage should be nearer 28ºC. The hot spot can easily be arranged by installing a Basking Spot Lamp. To ensure the cage does not overheat, the lamp is best controlled with a HabiStat Dimming Thermostat. White and UV light, from a lamp like a Reptile D3 tube, will be needed and should be present for a similar period; about sixteen hours per day in summer dropping to eight in winter. Much of the success achieved in keeping Agamas will come from the skilful manipulation of ventilation. The lizards require lowish humidity and cannot stand stagnant air conditions. Fresh air moving into the cage is essential. Use the upward draughts caused by heated air rising to flush out the cage and drag fresh air in. Another method would be to use a HabiStat MiniFan, possibly in conjunction with a complementary HabiStat Cool Control. A very light daily misting with a hand sprayer will provide any humidity required.

Husbandry

Agamas may be kept singly or in groups. Of course the more lizards kept in each cage, the larger the cage should be. Males will tend to fight as they reach maturity and no more than one should be present in the cage. In any case, there should be plenty of retreats and visual screens. Watch out for bullying, particularly among juveniles. To handle an agama the whole animal should be gently grasped and held in the hands. One hand beneath, supporting, and the other grasping the animal's shoulders, controlling it. These animals do not like being handled but with time will just about tolerate brief encounters. The tail is easily shed and should not be grasped. Once shed, however, a new tail will grow in time. In time the cage will begin to look scruffy as faeces and debris builds up. As everything recommended for the cage is washable or disposable, a good clean out is easily done.

Insects like small crickets and locusts form the staple diet in captivity. Mealworms can also be fed. Both crickets and mealworms should be dusted with Repton. Alternatively, the insect food can be fed Cricket Diet Plus and Mealworm Diet Plus respectively to 'load' the insect with vitamins and minerals but do not do both! Other insects that are eaten include Wax worms but these are best given only occasionally as a treat. Another occasional meal that may be accepted are the commercially prepared, fresh meat reptile diets or a frozen rodent pup that has been thoroughly thawed. With all food it is important to balance the nutrients. These lizards grow very rapidly, so any dietary deficiency will quickly result in deformity. Calcium and the associated vitamin D3 being particularly important. Live food is only eaten if it is seen to move and will usually be jumped upon and grabbed with the mouth. One lizard may eat up to ten or more insects at one meal; it will depend upon their size. Feed the lizards every other day with just enough to be completely eaten in fifteen minutes. Try not to leave an excess of uneaten insects in the cage. In addition to live food a portion of sweet fruit or pureed fruit baby food may be offered. Leave this type of food in a small container for as long as remains fresh. A small water dish kept full of fresh water should always be available. The lizards will drink from this but should not be allowed to bathe in it.

Reproduction

Male agamas are proportionately larger than the females and they have broader heads. There may be some coloured patterning in the mature male and the base of the tail is swollen with a copulatory organs. A period of courtship proceeds mating and during this time much activity can be expected. Eggs are laid after mating and they may take several weeks to hatch. To grow to adult in captivity may take as short a time as twelve months but in the wild, two to five years may elapse. A cooler winter period will be needed to condition the lizards for breeding in the following season. The lizards available as pets are all captive bred. In their native Australia they are protected but still relatively common.

Health & Disease

Agamas live for many years in the wild but seem to live even longer in captivity. They do not suffer from many diseases and veterinary attention is rarely needed. An environment and diet as described in this leaflet will preclude most problems. The most often encountered disease will be a metabolic bone disorder caused by insufficient vitamin D3 or calcium. Good practice, hygiene and first aid will probably deal with rest. If real disease is discovered, a vet must of course, be consulted. Pet lizards do not pose a real threat to human health. All the normal hygiene precautions regarding humans and animals should, however, be observed.