The green anole has been around for centuries, although they have recently invaded local pet shops. According to David Badger, author of The Lizard, the green anole is often mistaken for a chameleon. That is, anoles are not chameleons at all, but they have the ability to change color to camouflage themselves. A green anole can easily turn a brown or gray color to blend in with the bark of a tree or even a fence.
If you’re lucky enough to live in Florida like I do, you can find green anoles in your own backyard. I remember walking into a pet store last year and I saw this green lizard in the tank for sale. I thought it would be some fun first time, after all you see here. Green anoles are affordable only costing around $5.00 to $10.00 each depending on where you live. But if you happen to live in Florida, it can catch you. As the green anole lizards will drop their tail, be careful not to catch them from it. It will also bite green anoles, although it does no harm at all.
Before catching or buying a green anole, you need to have that cage ready. Your anole will need space, high humidity, hiding places, proper lighting, and substrate. a source of heat, a region of sunshine, food and water. Your green anole can live for several years and grow to 8 inches long if properly cared for. .
Caveat: you can find small green anola starter kits, but I don’t recommend them. They are small, and like most lizards, the green anole needs room to roam. Your tank should be at least 10 gallons or more. I have found that a glass aquarium with a glass top works best.
Substrate: There are several products on the market that can be used as substrates. Reptile bark is often used for green rings, and it seems to work well. I have not personally seen or heard of an impacting green anole. You can also use calcium sand, creeper carpet, or potting soil. Reptile is very easy to clean. If you are using potting soil, place it in a large pan and heat it in the oven first. This will kill the parasites and the fungus that may be living in it.
High humidity: green anoles enjoy a tropical environment. You should have a humidity level of around 75 – 80%. Doing this will not only keep you happy, it will also help with shedding. Maintaining a high humidity level is not difficult. But most of all it is made green by watering.
water & Decoration: The green anole will drink its water from the leaves and the side of the tank. You need to provide your lawn with branches to walk on, and artificial and shiny plants, and greenery. The water must drip from the leaves, which can be done in several ways. The easiest way is to use a drip or fog system. These systems can be purchased at your local pet store. I use a small Dripper from: Zoo Med which costs around $10.00. You can also mash the leaves and place inside twice a day, or ice cubes on top. screen, allowing it to melt and drip. You can place a small shallow tray under the drip tray to get access to the water.
Sunlight: Your green anole needs UV light. Its sunny area should be about 90 degrees. By using a light canopy you can achieve one side of the store cooler then the other. If a green anole gets hot, it must find a way to escape the heat.
Hidden sites: You can use store bought skins or make your own. Anything from old pieces of pipe to hollowed-out logs make great hiding places. By having a space to hide, your anole will be safe and less stressed.
Food: Your Anoleum sits on a large scale of insects. You can feed green anoles on smaller crickets, moths, roaches, and even the occasional waxworm. You can also buy dry green anole food and vitamin powder to coat your insects before feeding.
Green anoles are very fast, and they have toe pads in addition to claws. Most situations, including climbing walls, can be easily avoided. Before you bring home a green anole, know that you will never tame it. Green anoles are more or less to look at, not to handle. They will learn to carry you, but they are not puppies. But they are fun to watch, and make a great low maintenance pet.
