blue belly lizards

Question
I just caught a blue belly lizard in the backyard and I made him (or her??) a home. It is a medium-size fish tank I filled with dirt from the yard (mostly soft, loose earth as well as a little bit of the wet stuff from down deep and some large, semi-hard chunks. I put in a few small weeds and some rocks for him to hide under or play on. Will he be able to thrive in this environment?

I put some Kale as well as water in a small dish but he isn't the least bit interested in it. I will be going to a pet store to get some small critters for him to munch on and am wondering about getting a heating rock as well.

Is a heat rock necessary or will he be alright outside? I created little "caves" and shady hiding spots with rocks and semi-hard dirt; but I worry that it might get too hot during the day and too cold at night. Should I keep him indoors? (I worry that my friends puppy will traumatize him)

Answer
I would bring him indoors as this will make it easier to maintain.  They eat appropriate sized cricket basically meaning smaller than the width of their head.  I would also set up an incandescent bulb for a hot spot during the day on top of the enclosure as this will help for digestion of food.  Also you will need to get a UVB bulb which is to be left on during the normal day light period where you live as this will assist with calcium absorption which you should dust the crickets with.  If this is not done the lizard will eventually develop soft bones which will eventually lead the lizard dying.  All the rest of the set up sounds as if you have everything good to go.  If you would like more help feel free to shoot me an email.

John F Taylor
www.reptileapartment.com