PDA

View Full Version : 1:1 Gerrhosaurus validus up for adoption


Teju Jagua
12-22-2008, 15:26
Hello, everyone!

My name is Dan, and I'm a new member of the PNWHS. I hope to meet fellow members in the near future...

For now, I would like to offer two wonderful animals for adoption. These are a male and female Gerrhosaurus validus, the true Giant Plated Lizard (not the G. major often wrongly peddled as 'Giants'; this last is the Greater Plated). I have attached a photo of the two here, and have other photos I can send via email.

Please note: there is NO adoption fee. No fees whatsoever. However, I will NOT ship - at any time. These are for local pick-up only.

Furthermore, I will be screening prospective adopters on the basis of their experience level with larger lizard keeping, with preferential treatment going to anyone who has experience with this or a similar species. Two other conditions apply: the male and female are to go together as a pair, and I do not want them split up (ever). Also, the successful adopter must be able to demonstrate to my satisfaction that the two animals will have a sufficiently large enclosure that is properly set up in so far as light/heat/substrate/hides/basking rocks, etc., are concerned. Right now the two are in a 4 ft. by 30 inch. x 16.5 Reptarium, with the two ends covered with 'soft trays' to keep in extra warmth. They have done extremely well in this cage for a few years now.

The two plateds are parasite free, and eat every other day. On one day they get a high-grade, natural canned dog food called Innova Senior. On the other day they receive Zoo Med Natural Juvenile Iguana food (pellets), pulverized and either mixed with water or banana or some other fruit. As they have prospered with this kind of diet, I would want a similar regimen to be maintained by their new owners.

I live in North Tacoma, and can drive a reasonable distance to hand off the animals and, if possible, to see their future living quarters.

Obviously, I would prefer to adopt them out to a member of the PNWHS who is of good standing. References from a minimum of three parties would be wonderful.

I realize these conditions may seem overly stringent or unrealistic, but I would rather not part with my two animals if I cannot be assured of providing them with an excellent, permanent home.

Why am I getting rid of them, you ask? Because I have a male Colombian Tegu, a Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana and a Black Roughneck Monitor. They take all my time and must be handled regularly in order to keep them tame. The plateds deserve individual attention, the handling that I have not been able to devote to them, a chance to run around outside their cage (when house temps permit), etc.

Their temperament is docile, but they do not relish being caught. Although they have never attempted to bite, they may be skittish in the cage (or not, depending on their mood, it seems), may squirm and even attempt to 'alligator roll/thrash' if held initially by the back portion of their bodies. But they soon calm down and even go 'limp', in a sense - almost like playing 'possum. I'm quite confident that is someone was patient and willing to work with them, both animals would soon become accustomed to being picked up and handled.

I estimate age of the male as perhaps 8 years, and the female as 2 or so.

If you have any questions, or are genuinely interested in adopting these animals, kindly let me know. You may reply to me here or to my email address: firstjaguar@BasicISP.net

Thanks and best of holiday wishes,

Dan

cecilia
12-22-2008, 18:07
Good for you, Dan! I really think it's great that you're being so strict about who adopts them. They sound like dream lizards- not having to run to the pet store for live food for is a real bonus. I sure wish I had the space- I would certainly apply for them. Sadly, I can't, but I bet you won't have any trouble placing them. Just out of curiosity, how long are they now and how long will they get? (Although I imagine they are pretty close to maximum size, since they are mature.)

Teju Jagua
12-27-2008, 06:46
Hello, everyone!

Sorry, but I've decided I can't part with my male and female Giant Plated Lizards.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will have a wondrous New Year.

Dan

Teju Jagua
12-27-2008, 06:51
Good for you, Dan! I really think it's great that you're being so strict about who adopts them. They sound like dream lizards- not having to run to the pet store for live food for is a real bonus. I sure wish I had the space- I would certainly apply for them. Sadly, I can't, but I bet you won't have any trouble placing them. Just out of curiosity, how long are they now and how long will they get? (Although I imagine they are pretty close to maximum size, since they are mature.)

Hi, Cecilia.

The male is a good-sized lizard - over 2 ft. long, and bulky. The female still has growing to do; she is considerably smaller. I'm attaching another pic of the male to give some scale comparison...

Best,

Dan

Adams Family
12-27-2008, 11:57
Beautiful Dan!:)

Kirt & Darcy
12-27-2008, 15:29
I can see why it would be difficult to part with them. Those are some amazing lizards.