Lizard
From JR
As of June 18, 2010, Jigsaw has a class pet!
Contents |
[edit] General Info
- Name: Lizard-Head
- Genus Species: Physignathus cocincinus
- Common Name: Chinese Water Dragon
- Age: approximately 9 years
- Average Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Sex: female
Lizard-Head is pretty laid back, though she does like to jump and splash in her water dish. You will most likely find her sunning herself on a rock, or hiding in some of the greenery if she's trying to get some shut-eye.
She doesnt really like to be handled, and handling should be unnecessary, unless she needs to be moved for feeding. She is very fast and will be difficult to catch if she escapes her cage. Please dont handle the lizard if you are not experienced doing so. If you would like to learn how best to handle Lizard-Head, please contact Erin (eri {dot} comparri [at] gmail).
[edit] Feed/Care
[edit] Diet and Eating Habits
Lizard-Head eats mostly bugs and worms, with an occasional mashed up strawberry or mango piece. She should be fed 3-5 times a week, during the hours of 8am to 6pm. She needs to have her lights on for several hours after she eats to help her digest her food (she doesnt produce her own body heat). *If she wont eat, dont be alarmed. She can be fickle and waiting a couple hours or a day and trying again will probably yield better results.*
[edit] Method of Feeding
Lizard food can be found on top of the lizard enclosure. There are tongs on top of the cage for handling insects. (Please dont use the tongs for science) Grab a bug or worm and put it on the ground in front of the lizard. Poke at it if necessary, until she eats it. Repeat until she turns away or closes her eyes to food. If you're feeling super industrious, you can dust her food with the calcium and vitamin supplements located on top of her cage in small salt shakers.
Do not leave uneaten food in the cage if she does not eat it. Live food can bite her and cause sores.
[edit] Cage Cleaning
Lizard-Head poops in the same water she drinks and swims in. This is convenient for cleaning, but also pretty gross when you think about it. Just grab the water pan and dump the water down the toilet. Rinse the water pan and then fill it halfway with tap water from the cold faucet. Replace the pan in the enclosure, making sure to put the air stone back in the water. Change the water at least once a week.
[edit] Things NOT To Do
- If the lizard is shedding, please dont pull at any skin that hasnt completely detached itself from her body. This can hurt her and possibly remove scales.
- Please dont pull on her tail. It will break off, but wont grow back.
- Dont eat the lizard. Her ghost will haunt you forever. Besides, she's tiny.
[edit] Contact Info
Please contact Erin Comparri (eri [dot} comparri {at} gmail) with any questions or concerns about Lizard-Head. Erin will be out of the country for 6 weeks, from June 30-August12. During this time, she will have no email access. Please contact Willow or Nils (nils, at jigsaw renaissance dot org) during this time.
[edit] Additional Resources
Tricia's Waterdragon Website - http://www.triciaswaterdragon.com/dragoncr.htm This is hands down the best website on all things water dragon. Tons of info, plus a link to waterdragon forums, if you are seriously interested, or just want to contact a live person with waterdragon knowledge.
[edit] Thanks
I'd like to thank Jigsaw Renaissance and Willow for setting up a place where my lizard can stay while I find a new place to live/ build houses in Haiti. I'd also like to thank everyone who will feed and care for my lizard while I am gone.
