Sauromalus ater (Chuwalla)

Age: Up to 20 years
Origin: United States
Length: 25 to 30 centimeters
The Chukwalla is a species that has a plump physique and the body is flat and wide and the legs are turned outwards. The relatively short tail ends in a blunt tip. The color is brownish gray to gray and some individuals have greenish gray colors. On the back are small light spots located in dark broad banding.

Care:
Experience: Experienced lizard keeper
Food: Herbivore
Feed adult: 3-5 times a week
Feed young: Daily
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Daily

Power supply
A Chukwalla's diet mainly consists of leafy vegetables and fruit. The main component of the diet should consist of vegetables and can be supplemented with small amounts of fruit. Examples of vegetables that can be fed are cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, turnip greens, kale, watercress, pointed cabbage and lettuce. In terms of fruit, strawberries, banana, kiwi, tangerine, peach and orange are good fruits to feed.
It is sometimes advised to powder the food with vitamin D, these extra calcium and vitamin supplements can be found in most pet shops and reptile shops.

Water
There must be a water bowl in the terrarium at all times, in which the animal can lie completely in to bathe.

Cleaning
As the hungry eaters that they are, they also defecate. For this reason, it is wise to remove the faeces from the enclosure every day, and to remove the dirty bedding once a week. In addition, it is wise to thoroughly clean the entire accommodation a few times a year, this prevents the accumulation of germs and bacteria.

Handling
As with many lizards, this species can be a bit shy, but they can get used to handling. When handling the animal, pick it up by gently sliding your hands under its body. Support the lower body and lift it off the floor. While handling, keep one thumb on its back so that it cannot easily run away. During handling it is recommended to hold it above your lap or above a table. This prevents the monitor lizard from falling from too great a height. Finally, it is advisable to wash your hands before and after handling. Here you prevent the animal and yourself from getting sick.

Housing
Minimum size stay for a couple: minimum 120x80x100
Daytime temperature: 25-30°C
Night temperature: 20-26°C
Hours of light: 12 hours
Humidity Level: 30-50%
Soil cover: Sandy subsoil

Design
The chuckwalla is mainly a test trial species, but if there is an opportunity, they also seek heights. In the terrarium you can place pieces of wood or stones that serve as a shelter or where they can lie on to bask. When setting up the terrarium, you can place the wood or stone in such a way that they also have the opportunity to climb. However, make sure that everything is firmly placed so that the iguana cannot injure itself if something falls. In addition, the stay must be divided into a warm and cool side.
The chuckwalla is a lizard that really likes sunbathing and high temperatures, they need a lot of radiant heat and have a high UVB requirement. Use mercury vapor or metal halide lamps with a high UVB content for a basking spot.

Behaviour
Diet: Omnivore
Lifestyle: test trial and day active

Character
This species can get used to people well but can be a bit nervous and shy at first, but over time this should get better and they tolerate handling more than many other lizard species.

Points of attention
housing several males together is not a good idea due to territorial behavior.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation:-
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 animal happens to become ill or your equipment breaks down.