Phrynosoma cornutum (Texan Toad Lizard)

Age: 5 to 8 years
Origin: Southwest America and northern Mexico
Length: 6.5 to 10 centimeters
What is striking about this kind of lizard is its flat body with a row of protruding scales along the side. They also have these on the side of the throat. The color is often beige, yellow-brown or reddish.

Care
Experience: Novice lizard keeper
Food: Carnivore
Feed adult: 3x per week
Feed young: Daily
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Daily

Power supply
Since they are carnivores, they mainly eat a lot of insects such as flies, crickets, wax moths, small grasshoppers and also spiders. Provide sufficient variety in the diet. For young animals you can choose fruit flies or small crickets as food.

The diet we humans provide to the lizards does not meet their full mineral and vitamin needs. For this reason, extra calcium and vitamin supplements will have to be given with the food. You can find these in most pet stores and reptile stores.

Water
Water must always be available, you can offer this in a small water bowl, but change the water daily to prevent bacterial accumulations in the water.

Cleaning
Daily removal of faeces and food remains is important. The entire terrarium must be cleaned and the bottom material replaced at least twice a year.

Handling
They are not stuffed animals and cannot be tamed, but it is possible to teach the lizard to eat from your hand, for example. When you do have to handle it, it is important never to grab it by the tail as it can throw it off. It will grow back but never as beautiful as it was.

Housing
Minimum size stay for 1 couple: 80x40x40
Day temperature: 30-40 degrees Celsius
Night temperature: 20-21 degrees Celsius
Hours of light: 12 to 14 hours a day
Humidity Level: 40-60%
Soil cover: Cocopeat, non-fertilized garden soil or beech chips,

Design
The lizard likes to climb, so also provide plenty of climbing opportunities in the form of living plants, branches or dry reed forests. Sufficient hiding places are also important. Some stones for climbing and sunbathing are also often appreciated.
The enclosure must offer different temperatures. There should be both warmer and colder areas for the animals to choose from. The lizards are mainly diurnal animals. A UV-b lamp must still be hung. In this way, the animals can build up sufficient calcium in their bodies. Without this relief, they can become very ill.

Behaviour
Lifestyle: Day active

Character:
It is a bottom dweller that can climb well on rocks and branches, but will mainly be found on or just above the ground. They have a gentle nature and are not very territorial.

Points of attention
Males are very aggressive towards each other and it is therefore advisable never to house several males together.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation: To own this species you need a CITES II or transfer papers.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl and decoration. This can cost a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros in total. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, which is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred when your lizard happens to get sick or your equipment breaks down.