AboutPam Expertise I can answer 98% of all questions regarding the husbandry of most desert to temperate climate omnivore and herbivore lizards. This would include bearded dragons, and skinks. I can also answer questions regarding iguanas. I can not help with snakes,amphibians,crustations or arachnids.
For tortoises I will only refer you to the World Chelonian Trust.
I am not a vet, but I've had enough medical (human) training to know that when a reptile is showing symptoms he needs definitive care. That means a vet, period. I can help with a few conditions, such as prolapse, so that the animal has the best chance at the vet to treat and recover.
The answer to having two species sharing the same habitat will always be no.
Just because you don't like my answer does not mean I'm wrong.
As for breeding animals, especially bearded dragons who already have a weak gene pool as it is, you will get all the reasons why you shouldn't. There are enough inexperienced breeders out there, filling pet stores with undersized sickly babies, I will not add to their number.
If you need a lizard identified, please give me an idea of where you live and a description of the animal.
Experience I own and breed bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps). I've been a member of several e-mail lizard care groups, I am both a forum chat moderator for Reptilerooms.com, and forum moderator for Pogona and Babyiguana Yahoo Groups. I have soaked in the knowledge of some of the best researchers, rehabbers, and herp veterinarians from those groups
Organizations Long Island Herpetological Society
International Reptile Conservation Society
Education/Credentials SUNY @ Farmingdale - Animal Science
Univ. of GA - Pre-Vet
Question QUESTION: I have had My Bearded Dragon for 2 months and for the last week he has started shaking after I take him out of the cage. He is 6 1/2 inches long and I have all of the lights that are necessary. It is almost like he is having a seizure I don't know what is wrong with him and I need to find out before something bad happens.
ANSWER: Shaking is a sign of calcium deficiency. Make sure he's getting calcium rich greens like collards and dandelions, grated or pared thin slices of butternut squash, and a good calcium supplement like Repcal Calcium or Miner-all. Make sure you have a good source of UVB like the Reptisun 10.0 or 5.0 fluorescent tube and that he is within 8 inches of the middle of it, and that the tube is less than 6 months old. If the shaking is that noticable, a vet visit for a dose of pure calcium may be required.
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QUESTION: I just got an Iguana and he is very aggressive. I have tried handling him but that resulted in him braking his own toe. I was just wondering if there was a trick or a special technique that would help him to get used to, and like to be held.
Answer Iguanas are truly wild creatures. In the wild, as herbivores, they are mainly a prey animal by other species including man. They are very hard to socialize. In order to start, you must first learn your iguana's signals, especially if it's an older iguana. They have their own way of communicating and will give you clear signals as to their mood. It is best to read Melissa Kaplans "Iguanas for Dummies" and "The Iguana Den's Care of the Giant Green Iguana".
There is also a great Yahoo group for new owners of this regal creature. It is called Babyiguana and the people there are great for giving you support and insights on their own experiences with iguanas at any age. I would strongly suggest you join the group and they can help you at every step in helping you and your iguana develop a relationship.
