Concerns

Question
QUESTION: About a month ago i got a new Anole lizard.he was living an
a tiny cage and he needed to be moved. Two days ago, i got a
great cage for him:
1ft x 2 ft
organic soil
plants
a very small pond
and a wood like branch for him to climb in.
Im in the process of looking for a UV bulb so for the moment
im keeping him in the sun as much as possible.
I, however have several concerns.
First, the temperature at my house is pretty low but humanly bearable. I was told not to use heat lamps because it could
burn him. I don't know what to do to keep the cage warm
enough.
Second, i think there is a problem with his left eye. I
think he got soil on it. he can still open it but when he
does it tears up quite a bit. I'm afraid for his health.
Lastly, he doesn't seem to like his new environment. I don't
know if its because of the temperature of because he's not
used to it so i just need your advise.
Thank you
Natalia

ANSWER: Hello Natalia,

His new environment sounds like it is pretty good for him.  
Is this a green or a brown anole?
Do you have a thermometer to measure the temperatures with?  I recommend using either a digital probe or a temp gun?  The basking temperatures do need to be around 85-90 roughly with a cooler end around 78-80 or so.  The humidity can be around 60% so the pond you have in there should be fine, too.
If it is too hot or cold, he will be stressed & wont want to bask.  You will need to use a bright white basking light, but a lower wattage bulb.  As long as it is not too close to him, it will not burn him.  So, a regular household light bulb is fine, maybe a 60 watt would be fine.  
The best UVB for him would be either the Reptisun 5 or 10 fluorescent tube bulb.  Please do not get any compact/coil lights they are not good at all, & have been known to cause eye problems, too.
What are you feeding him right now?
Maybe post a picture of his tank, & him, as well.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


Tank   QUESTION: I've been feeding him crickets but lately he hasn't been
motivated to eat them. He's in the process of peeling.
Attached is a picture of the tank. he spends most of his
time on the leaves of the plants. we have a thermometer and
the tank is now at 80 because my house is now cold enough to
turn on the heat. I can only upload one picture at a time.
His eye looks much better today, no tears, normal color
around the eye. I'm just concerned for his eating.
Thank you
Natalia  

Answer
Hello Natalia,

That is a nice looking tank for him.
Well, if he is going to shed, that will affect his appetite a fair amount.  Keep trying with the food.  
Did you get a digital probe or a temp gun for the thermometer then?  
Remember, he does need a basking end, or a warmer end/spot of around 90-92 roughly.  
That is great his eye is starting to look a little better today.  
You can also try to feed him with chicken, turkey or beef baby food & use a plastic dropper or plastic syringe & drip it on the end of his nose.  
Does it look like he is losing weight right now?
I hope he is feeling better soon!

Tracie