Chuckwalla Care Sheet (Genus Sauromalus)
| Category |
Requirement |
Details |
| Scientific Name |
Sauromalus spp. |
Common Chuckwallas (S. ater), San Esteban Chuckwallas (S. varius), etc. |
| Origin |
Southwestern US, Northern Mexico, Baja Islands |
Desert/arid rocky habitats. |
| Size |
10 to 20 inches total length (species-dependent) |
Large, stocky lizards. |
| Lifespan |
15 to 25+ years in captivity |
Long-term commitment required. |
🏠 Enclosure & Habitat
| Feature |
Minimum Recommendation (Adult) |
Notes |
| Type |
Wide, open habitat |
Glass terrarium, wooden vivarium, or custom cage. |
| Size |
4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft (L x W x H) |
Larger is always better for exercise and heat gradient. |
| Substrate |
Packed sand/soil mix, paper towels, newspaper. |
Avoid loose sand alone, as impaction is a risk. Packed dirt allows for digging. |
| Hides/Shelter |
Multiple, secure rock caves/crevices. |
Must be heavy and stable—chuckwallas are powerful diggers. Provide tight-fitting hides. |
| Climbing |
Large, flat rocks, slate tiles, thick branches. |
They are terrestrial but love to bask on elevated, flat surfaces. |
☀️ Lighting & Heating (Crucial for Chuckwallas!)
Chuckwallas are highly heliothermic (sun-loving) and require intense heat and high-output UVB.
Heat
| Feature |
Temperature Goal |
Details |
| Basking Spot |
120°F - 130°F |
Use a heat lamp (Halogen or ceramic emitter). Measure temperature at the basking site. |
| Warm Side Ambient |
90°F - 100°F |
Air temperature on the warm side. |
| Cool Side Ambient |
75°F - 80°F |
Air temperature on the opposite side. |
| Nighttime |
65°F - 75°F |
No supplementary heat usually needed unless temperatures drop below 65°F |
Lighting
| Feature |
Requirement |
Details |
| UVB Source |
High-output Linear Fluorescent or Mercury Vapor Bulb (MVB). |
Essential for D3 synthesis and calcium metabolism (prevents MBD). |
| UVB Zone |
Must cover 2/3 of the enclosure. |
The basking spot should be under the strongest UVB output. Replace bulbs every 6-12 months. |
| Photoperiod |
12-14 hours of light daily. |
Use a timer for consistency. |
🥗 Diet & Hydration
Chuckwallas are primarily herbivores.
| Food Group |
Frequency |
Details |
| Staple (80-90%) |
Daily |
Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, clover, hibiscus, alfalfa. |
| Occasional (10-20%) |
1-2 times per week |
Squash, carrots, bell peppers, berries (sparingly). |
| Insects (Sparse) |
Rarely (Juveniles/Growing) |
Offer crickets, mealworms, or roaches very rarely. Obesity and kidney issues are common from overfeeding protein. |
| Supplements |
3-5 times/week (Calcium) / 1-2 times/week (D3/Multivitamin) |
Dust greens with a high-quality Calcium powder (no D3) most days. Dust with a multivitamin (with D3) less often. |
| Water |
Always available |
Provide a shallow dish. Though they rarely drink, soaking is sometimes observed. Mist food to increase hydration. |
🏥 Health & Maintenance
| Area |
Best Practice |
Concerns |
| Shedding (Ecdysis) |
Sheds in patches. |
Ensure high humidity isn't maintained (can cause respiratory issues). They should shed fine in a dry setup. |
| Brumation |
Optional (Consult a vet) |
In a large, healthy adult, a cool-down period can be initiated during winter. Lower temps to 55°F - 65°F for 2-3 months. |
| Handling |
Minimal, especially when new. |
They inflate their bodies to wedge into rock crevices and deter predators. Handle gently, supporting the body. |
| Veterinary Care |
Annual checkups. |
Find an exotics veterinarian. Watch for signs of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) or respiratory infection. |
