The Handling section will discuss one of the more popular topics in the reptile husbandry.  Please read carefully.  Nothing should be overlooked.

   Jump to:
     A reminder...
     Do Not Disturb
     Necessary Handling
     Petstore Lies
     Things you should know...
     Page 2


     The views in this section, and this entire website for that matter, are mine.  Make your own decisions.  I'm simply giving you the best advice I can offer.  Many people get mad when they hear what is about to follow.  However, it's the truth (in my opinion.)  Take it or leave it.

     Please also realize that what follows is a generalization.  I will be using the word "most" alot in this section.  There are exceptions to every rule.


     Let me start off by saying, most Green Anoles do not like to be played with, petted, tamed, walked on a leash, and pretty much anything else that involves physical contact with their owner.  It makes them nervous, scared, and as a result, stressed.  They like living peaceful, quiet lives within the confines of their glass box.  Well, they like it as much as they can.  They aren't lap lizards.


     "So, are you saying I should never come in contact with my Anoles under any circumstance?"

     Absolutely not.  There are times where handling your Anoles will be inevitable.  What I'm saying is, do it only when necessary.  A prime example of when handling will be unavoidable is cleaning time.  You have to remove the Anoles from the main enclosure to the holding tank.


     "Well Fred at the petstore said Anoles like to be petted!  They can even be tamed!"

     There's not many petstore employees out there that will tell you something doesn't like to be petted.  It's an immediate turn off for a lot of people.  Besides, isn't Fred the same guy who told you it was fine to keep your Anoles in a one gallon pickle jar with a twig and aquarium pebbles?

Back to top


     Now that I have all that out of the way, let's get to the good stuff, shall we?  There are several things you should know before trying to pick an Anole up.  Most importantly, the very weird occurence known as autotomy.

Autotomy

    Autotomy is the ability to separate the tail from the rest of the body.  Many reptiles, including Green Anoles, have this ability.  It's a defense mechanism.  If a predator (including you) were to grab the Anole by the tail, it may very well break off.  Leaving you with a wiggling chunk of tail while the Anole scurries off to a safer area.

     Don't fret, however.  Every lizard with the gift of autotomy also has the ability to regenerate a new tail.  It will eventually grow back, albeit less colorful and sometimes "kinked."

Fragile!

     Please remember that Green Anoles are very small compared to you.  They can be fragile.  Be as gentle as possible, and do not wear gloves.  Gloves hinder your ability to tell how much pressure you are using, and you could be crushing the lizard without even knowing it.

Biting

Yes, a threatened Anole will bite.  Most bites don't hurt or break the skin.  It feels like a firm pinch and will startle you a lot more than hurt you.  One thing to remember if you are being bitten is that you should not jerk your hand away swiftly.  You can really injure the lizard's teeth, jaws, and neck by doing this.  Instead, stay still.  Sometimes the Anole will realize, "wait a minute, this thing is a lot bigger than me," and let go.  Other times, it won't let go at all.  Keep the Anole's feet on the ground (or a branch), and once he feels secure he should let go.  After a situation like this, you should leave the room and let the Anole have some peace and quiet for a little while.  This would be the time to go wash the wound (if there is one).  Reptiles can carry salmonella.  After the stress levels have died down, try again.

Grab another bag of chips, refill your drink, and venture on to page two!