How To Care For A Texas Spiny Lizard: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

Home » What Do Lizards Eat In Texas » How To Care For A Texas Spiny Lizard: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Creating a Suitable Habitat for a Texas Spiny Lizard 2 Feeding the Texas Spiny Lizard 3 Caring For the Texas Spiny Lizard Other Sections Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Jeff Jensen

Last Updated: March 31, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Jeff Jensen. Jeff Jensen is a Reptile Specialist and the Owner of The Reptile Zone out of Bend, Oregon. With decades of experience with reptiles and wildlife, Jeff specializes in providing advice and guidance on proper reptile care. As a former science teacher and employee of the San Antonio Zoo and an accomplished herpetologist, Jeff’s dedication to knowledge and ethical pet trade practices led to The Reptile Zone being awarded a “Mark of Excellence” Award by Intrepid Marketing in 2018. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 14 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 190,107 times.

The Texas spiny lizard is a fairly common yet beautiful lizard inhabiting the drier regions of southern North America. Though not typically sold commercially, if you live in Texas, it’s possible to find Texas spiny lizards in a pet store or even catch one for yourself. Texas spiny lizards make great pets since they adapt well to captivity and eat a diet of readily available insects. If you provide your Texas spiny lizard with a large cage, ample play space, a good source of heat lighting, and a balanced diet, you will have a wonderful pet for around seven years.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Creating a Suitable Habitat for a Texas Spiny Lizard

PDF download Download Article
  1. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 1.jpeg 1 Purchase a large cage. Texas spiny lizards are active creatures that grow to about 7.5” to 12”. They need a large cage that accommodates their size and provides them with plenty of space to run around. They are also arboreal, meaning they need to climb. Get a 20 to 30 gallon cage or terrarium and make sure you’ll have room for plants, logs, and vines for your lizard to play with.[1] [2]
    • Be sure the cage is enclosed so that the lizard doesn’t escape.
  2. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 2.jpeg 2 Cover the bottom with cage carpet. To cover the bottom of the cage, you can use either cage carpet, sand, small rocks, or powdered walnut shell. Cage carpet is generally recommended, however, as lizards might consume alternative floor types, which can lead to digestive issues.[3]
    • Cage carpet can be a bit trickier to clean. Make sure to give yourself some time every month to dedicate to keeping your lizard’s cage carpet in good condition.
    • Cage carpet can be purchased online at PetSmart or Amazon. Call your local pet store to see if they sell cage carpet.
    Advertisement
  3. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 3.jpeg 3 Add plants to the terrarium. Plants will make your lizard feel more at home in its terrarium, and also give the lizard something to climb in. Put as many plants, vines, branches, and sticks that you can in the cage so that your lizard will have ample climbing material.[4]
    • While it’s okay to put live plants, vines, and branches into your lizard’s home, be sure they don’t carry too much moisture. The Texas spiny lizard prefers a drier environment. It’s best to put a mixture of live and fake climbing surfaces into the cage.[5]
    • If you find plants outside, make sure they are free of bugs and are not poisonous.[6]
    • One of the Texas spiny lizard’s hobbies is digging into decayed logs. Put a piece of an old log into the cage once every few weeks to give the lizard a nice activity.
  4. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 4.jpeg 4 Provide a hiding place. Lizards like to have a place to hide themselves every so often. Add a log that can accommodate the length of your lizard to the cooler side of the cage. Remember that Texas spiny lizards grow to about 12”.[7]
    • It’s best to get a hollowed out log so that your lizard can hide completely. You can buy a hollowed out log at most pet stores. If you’re handy, make one yourself![8]
    • You’ll also want to have a part of the cage left open for the lizard to play in. Try to put this on the opposite side of the cage from the hiding spot.
  5. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 5.jpeg 5 Give your lizard ample light. Texas spiny lizards are diurnal and like to bask in the sun, so will need full spectrum UVB cage lighting to stay healthy and happy. [9] You’ll want the cage to be between 80-88 degrees during the day, 70–80 degrees at night, and 100-108 in the lizard’s basking spot.[10]
    • Make a basking platform around 12 inches from the basking light. The UVB rays aren’t strong enough to be placed any farther away from the lizard.[11]
    • Only put lighting on one side of the cage since your lizard needs a cool place as well.
    • Ask about how to properly set up cage lighting at a local pet store to ensure your lizard’s health and safety.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Feeding the Texas Spiny Lizard

PDF download Download Article
  1. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 6.jpeg 1 Feed your lizard a mix of insects.[12] Texas spiny lizards require a diet of live insects, and will thrive if you provide them with a variety of species. Giant mealworms, crickets, regular mealworms, silkworms, and non-noxious caterpillars are all great choices.[13]
    • Feed your lizard once a day. If your lizard is active and healthy, feed them as much as they can eat over a 15-20 minute time period.[14] If they are overweight, talk to a vet about a diet plan that will keep your lizard healthy.[15]
    • Be sure that the insects are relatively small in comparison to the lizard’s head. Otherwise the lizard may suffer digestive problems. Cut the insects yourself if the pieces seem too large.
    • If you live near fields or meadows that are not sprayed with insecticides, you can collect your own insects (known as “field plankton”) with a sweep net during warmer months.[16]
    • Remove any uneaten insects from the cage immediately after feeding.[17]
  2. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 7.jpeg 2 Dust food with vitamin D3 and calcium powder. To ensure that your lizard is getting proper nutrients, dust its food once a week or every other week with vitamin D3 and calcium powder.[18]
    • You can purchase Rep-Cal Reptile Calcium Powder with D3 online at either PetSmart or Amazon.
    • To dust the insects, place the insects and a little bit of dusting powder in a glass jar and shake until the insects are coated with the powder. Then feed to your lizards immediately.
  3. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 8.jpeg 3 Change the water regularly. Provide fresh water for your lizard in a shallow dish. Be sure to change the water every day to keep your lizard healthy.
    • If the water splashes around too much you’ll have to clean the substrate to keep the habitat dry.[19]
  4. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 9.jpeg 4 Mist the cage. Buy a mist spray bottle and mist your lizard’s cage twice a week. Lizards like to lick water off plants, and misting the plants and vines in your cage will give them extra opportunity to hydrate. Don’t drench the cage as the habitat substrate needs to stay dry. Instead, lightly mist any surfaces that your lizard likes to climb or play on.[20]
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Caring For the Texas Spiny Lizard

PDF download Download Article
  1. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 10.jpeg 1 Clean the cage. Clean the cage thoroughly once a week. This is an involved procedure that will take some time. You will need rubber gloves, disinfectant, and hot, soapy water for cleaning. You should also check daily for spilled food, feces, or other hazardous particles. [21]
    • First, remove your lizard from the cage and place in a safe spot while you clean.
    • Remove all decorations from the cage and clean with hot, soapy water.
    • Clean the food and water bowls with hot, soapy water. For a homemade cleanser, mix 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dishwashing detergent (such as Palmolive® or Dawn®) and 1 ounce (30 ml) of household bleach into 1 quart of water.
    • Clean cage surfaces with hot, soapy water. Then clean again with a disinfectant. For disinfectant, use a bleach solution containing 1 part bleach to 16 parts water.
    • Let the cage dry before replacing decorations, food bowls, and the lizard.[22]
  2. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 11.jpeg 2 Provide proper cage mates. Texas spiny lizards are perfectly happy to be alone in a cage, but if you do decide to have more than one in a cage, make sure you pair them correctly. You should never have two male spiny lizards in the same cage. However, two females will get along well in the same space.[23]
    • If you put a male and female together in a cage, they will likely breed.
  3. Care for a Texas Spiny Lizard Step 12.jpeg 3 Don’t pick up your lizard. Texas spiny lizards should be treated as a display species. They don’t like to be picked up and held. If you hold them for too long and try to play with them they are likely to bite. Only handle your lizard when necessary, such as during cage cleanings.[24]
    • If you must pick up the lizard for a cage cleaning, use your palm and fingers to cup the lizard's body from its neck to its cloaca, or neck vent. Then, gentle lift up the lizard in one fluid motion. Do not hold the lizard by its tail as the tail can break off.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How often should a 2-3" Texas spiny lizard eat in a day or a week? Community Answer Community Answer Your Texas spiny lizard should be fed a diet of insects every day. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 69
  • Question How can I tell the gender of a Texas spiny lizard? Any specific markings? Community Answer Community Answer A female has a V slit for the rectum. A male will have a straight line for the rectum. The males are sometimes bigger and darker, too. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 67
  • Question How big do they grow Community Answer Community Answer Adult Texas spiny lizards reach bewteen 7.5" and 12". Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 56
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Make sure it is legal to purchase and own this lizard in your local jurisdiction. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • As with all pets, do not overfeed the Texas spiny lizard. Giving too much food to your pet can make it sick or even kill it! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Texas spiny lizards usually grow to between 7.5 and 12 inches. Be sure to get a cage that accommodates their length. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Never release your pet into the wild even if you know your lizard's species is native to your area. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 2
  • As with all animals, Texas spiny lizards are able to bite when threatened. Take care not to injure the lizard if it bites. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 2
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Take Care of a Five Lined SkinkHow toTake Care of a Five Lined Skink Care for ScorpionsHow toCare for Scorpions Care for a TarantulaHow toCare for a Tarantula Care for Your LizardHow toCare for Your Lizard Care for Green Anole LizardsHow toCare for Green Anole Lizards Care for a House GeckoHow toCare for a House Gecko Care for a Leopard GeckoHow toCare for a Leopard Gecko Care for a Corn SnakeHow toCare for a Corn Snake Take Care of a Praying MantisHow toTake Care of a Praying Mantis Care for a SkinkHow toCare for a Skink Take Care of Stick BugsHow toTake Care of Stick Bugs Take Care of a ChameleonHow toTake Care of a Chameleon Care for a Gray Tree FrogHow toCare for a Gray Tree Frog Look After TerrapinsHow toLook After Terrapins Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Blue-Spiny-Lizard-Care-Sheet/
  2. ↑ https://www.learnaboutnature.com/reptiles/lizards/texas-spiny-lizard/
  3. ↑ https://www.learnaboutnature.com/reptiles/lizards/texas-spiny-lizard/
  4. ↑ https://www.learnaboutnature.com/reptiles/lizards/texas-spiny-lizard/
  5. ↑ https://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/housing-caging-your-reptile/housing-your-lizard
  6. ↑ https://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/housing-caging-your-reptile/housing-your-lizard
  7. ↑ https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/New-Owner/Herp-Hides/
  8. ↑ https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/New-Owner/Herp-Hides/
  9. ↑ Jeff Jensen. Reptile Specialist. Expert Interview
More References (15)
  1. ↑ https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Blue-Spiny-Lizard-Care-Sheet/
  2. ↑ https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Blue-Spiny-Lizard-Care-Sheet/
  3. ↑ Jeff Jensen. Reptile Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Blue-Spiny-Lizard-Care-Sheet/
  5. ↑ Jeff Jensen. Reptile Specialist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.thebeardeddragon.org/leopard-gecko/leopard-gecko-diet.php
  7. ↑ https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Blue-Spiny-Lizard-Care-Sheet/
  8. ↑ https://www.thebeardeddragon.org/leopard-gecko/leopard-gecko-diet.php
  9. ↑ https://www.thebeardeddragon.org/leopard-gecko/leopard-gecko-diet.php
  10. ↑ https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Blue-Spiny-Lizard-Care-Sheet/
  11. ↑ https://cnmtechsolutions.wixsite.com/thriftypets/spiny-lizard
  12. ↑ https://www.petco.com/content/content-hub/home/articlePages/01/habitats-cleaning-and-disinfecting-reptile-cages.html
  13. ↑ https://www.petco.com/content/content-hub/home/articlePages/01/habitats-cleaning-and-disinfecting-reptile-cages.html
  14. ↑ https://cnmtechsolutions.wixsite.com/thriftypets/spiny-lizard
  15. ↑ https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Blue-Spiny-Lizard-Care-Sheet/

About This Article

Jeff Jensen Co-authored by: Jeff Jensen Reptile Specialist This article was co-authored by Jeff Jensen. Jeff Jensen is a Reptile Specialist and the Owner of The Reptile Zone out of Bend, Oregon. With decades of experience with reptiles and wildlife, Jeff specializes in providing advice and guidance on proper reptile care. As a former science teacher and employee of the San Antonio Zoo and an accomplished herpetologist, Jeff’s dedication to knowledge and ethical pet trade practices led to The Reptile Zone being awarded a “Mark of Excellence” Award by Intrepid Marketing in 2018. This article has been viewed 190,107 times. 4 votes - 70% Co-authors: 33 Updated: March 31, 2025 Views: 190,107 Categories: Lizards Article SummaryX

To care for a Texas spiny lizard, buy a 20 to 30 gallon cage or terrarium so the lizard will have room to grow and move. Additionally, cover the bottom of the cage with carpet, sand, small rocks, or powdered walnut shells. You should add plants, vines, and branches to the cage for ample climbing material, and a full spectrum UVB cage light to keep your lizard warm and happy. In order to feed your lizard, provide it with a variety of live insects once a day, such as meal worms, crickets, and silkworms. To learn how to provide your lizard with proper cage mates, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 190,107 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Angie Conover

    Angie Conover

    Nov 8, 2016

    "This article has clear and concise information on how to care for our little Texas spiny lizard. We found him in my..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jeff Jensen Co-authored by: Jeff Jensen Reptile Specialist 4 votes - 70% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 33 Updated: March 31, 2025 Views: 190,107 Angie Conover

Angie Conover

Nov 8, 2016

"This article has clear and concise information on how to care for our little Texas spiny lizard. We found him in my..." more Sheila Bell

Sheila Bell

Feb 9, 2017

"I had no idea about any type of care. My grandson caught him at his other grandma's house in South Central..." more Elaine House

Elaine House

Mar 28, 2016

"I found a lizard and didn't know what kind it was. Once I identified it, I was able to find out how to care..." more Todd Gray

Todd Gray

Apr 27, 2016

"The thing that helped most was about the feeding. I didn't know too much could kill him. He really likes those..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

May 17, 2018

"It helped me know how to feed and water my lizard correctly. I also understood what types of habitats they are..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Guess the Animal Photo QuizGuess the Animal Photo QuizTake QuizWhat Lizard Am I QuizWhat Lizard Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Dinosaur Am I QuizWhat Dinosaur Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizTake QuizAnimal Riddle QuizAnimal Riddle QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Take Care of a Five Lined SkinkHow toTake Care of a Five Lined SkinkCare for ScorpionsHow toCare for ScorpionsCare for a TarantulaHow toCare for a TarantulaCare for Your LizardHow toCare for Your Lizard

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Is My Intelligence Type QuizWhat Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?SCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Pet Should I Get QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Type of Girl QuizWhat Is My Type of Girl QuizTake QuizName That Dinosaur QuizName That Dinosaur QuizTake QuizWhat Dog Breed Am I QuizWhat Dog Breed Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Pets and Animals
  • Reptiles
  • Lizards
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --577

Tag » What Do Lizards Eat In Texas