FAO: Lee

[The Ranger]

[also posted to sbh]

I have two southern alligator lizards (Elgaria multicarinata
(Gerrhonotus multicarinatus))currently living high off the fat from
the land in my backyard. Both are beautiful specimens and have been
residents of my castle for several years now.

I will be causing a little upheaval in their current habitat by
starting some major construction and do not wish to banish them to
any of my surrounding neighbors' yards (all repleat with at least
two outdoor dogs each), or the much worse fate of terrifying one of
the construction workers into extra shovel/hammer duties.

I am, unfortunately, currently limited on space and do not have the
luxury of multiple tank set-ups. Having never caught either
simultaneously prior, this has never been an issue. But then, I've
never purposely sought them like I plan within the coming
week(end). Their current territories are pretty clearly delineated
with the larger (a 9-1/2-inch long by 1-in wide) having the greater
area... Or so it would seem from where I see them sunning pretty
much daily.

My question, after all the above ramble, is can I safely store both
in a 10-gal tank (with coverage and debris) simultaneously or
should I look at potential relocation to a more permanent area of
my burg's parks system? (I'd hate to awake one morning to learn
that they are cannibalistic...)

Many thanks for any ideas.

The Ranger

[enigma]

"The Ranger" <cuhula...@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:10e6650...@corp.supernews.com:

> I have two southern alligator lizards (Elgaria
> multicarinata (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus))currently living
> high off the fat from the land in my backyard. Both are
> beautiful specimens and have been residents of my castle
> for several years now.

> My question, after all the above ramble, is can I safely
> store both in a 10-gal tank (with coverage and debris)
> simultaneously or should I look at potential relocation to
> a more permanent area of my burg's parks system? (I'd hate
> to awake one morning to learn that they are
> cannibalistic...)

nope, not cannibalistic, but if there is a significant size
difference the smaller may be intimidated into not eating.
if they only need to be caged for a week or so they should be
fine. a 10 gallon is too small for the bigger one for any
longterm keeping anyway. tell SWMBO you need more critter
storage ;) (i have a spare 50 gallon i keep in my bedroom.
used to have my veiled chamelion, but now only has a hibiscus
tree in it. i also have 2 10 gallons & a 5 gallon)

pet stores tend to overcrowd these guys in half dozens in a
10 gallon...
lee
lee