baby lizards

Question
QUESTION: It was a cold morning and i went outside and found these two lizards in one of my ice box/coolers. They were soo cold they wouldn't move. so I warmed up some towels and but dirt, sticks, and dried leaves in a bucket with the warm towels. They warmed up a bit, and began to move around. Then I couldn't help but to try to hold them, they are the sweetest things EVER. I was wondering if you could identify their species and lead me in the directing of housing and care. I have a 20 gal tank that I will set up for them and I am willing to buy anything they need...

Thank you!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/Aprittybritty/CIMG3736.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/Aprittybritty/CIMG3737.jpg

ANSWER: They are Western Fence Lizards. I suggest you release them back oustide but if I can not pursuade you to do so then you may as well know how to care for them properly.

Taking lizards from their entire world outside to a tank is very stressful on them and many lizards can die from it. Fence Lizards however are alittle more hardy when it comes to stress.

But its still not advised.

If you have two males they will NEVER be able to live together and can kill eachother by fighting over territory.

Here is a care sheet:
http://www.repticzone.com/caresheets/473.html

REMEMBER THAT UV LIGHTING IS IMPORTANT- Not just fish tank bulbs but actual lights that produce UV rays.


Good luck
If you have questions or want clarification let me know
Yexalen

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

QUESTION: Thank you for the answer it was VERY helpful!!!


When do they get the blue bellies? Mine are babies and don't have any blue... does that just mean they are female??

thank you again!!

Answer
Hello,
I am not entirely positive on the size or age when they get blue bellies. But most lizards mature around 6 months. Without knowing their hatch date it is nearly impossible to even guess an age.

But I wouldn't assume they are female.
You can house them together until they are old enough to tell the difference or until they show agrsesive or dominant/territorial behavior.

Good luck
Yexalen