How to Build a Cave With Rocks for Lizards

Larger lizards require very sturdy caves to avoid accidental collapses.

Lizards, like all endothermic animals, are not capable of regulating their own body temperature through their metabolism; they must use their environment to balance their internal temperatures. Not only do they require sunlight or other heat sources to warm themselves, but they also require shaded areas, such as caves, to lower their body temperature. Caves also serve as shelters and can make a lizard feel more at ease in a closed environment such as a terrarium. An artificial cave must be constructed with clean and sterilized rocks and secured by lizard-safe adhesives.

Instructions

1. Select nonporous stones that are relatively smooth and have flat surfaces. Avoid sharp corners and overly rounded stones. Apply several drops of plain vinegar to test the stones for limestone content; if the vinegar fizzes on contact with the stone, then discard it.

2. Use a stiff brush to remove any dirt, debris or organic material on the stones. Put a stone in a pot, fill it with water and then heat it at a low boil for 30 minutes. Put the stone in direct sunlight and allow it to fully dry before proceeding.

3. Use an aquarium-safe silicone adhesive to glue the treated rocks together into a cave. Make sure the cave is large enough to the lizards that will use it. Allow the adhesive at least three days to fully dry and cure before proceeding.

4. Move any lizards to another enclosure while you place the cave. Select a location for the cave that is not directly exposed to sunlight or any heat lamps that are being used. Place the cave in a corner, if possible, to reduce the chances of it tipping over. Return any lizards to the enclosure.

Tips & Warnings

• If the lizard enclosure is made of glass or plastic, use a silicone adhesive to attach the cave to the bottom surface of the enclosure and to any walls that are within reach. Allow the adhesive several days to harden and cure before reintroducing the lizards to the enclosure.

• Boiling rocks can be dangerous as stones may crack or burst if there is sufficient moisture trapped within them. An alternative to boiling is to soak the stones in a mixture of one part plain bleach and 10 parts water. Leave the stone in the mixture for at least 24 hours. Remove the stone and thoroughly wash it until no lingering odor of bleach is detectable. Allow it to dry in direct sunlight before applying adhesives to it.

• Stones can also be sterilized by putting them in an oven for 30 minutes at the lowest heat setting. Only bake stones that have been dried in direct sunlight for several days to reduce the risk of bursting.

• Avoid using silicone adhesives that are labeled as "antimildew" as they can break down into toxic byproducts over time.

References

• KingSnake.com; Rusty Hinge Reptiles; Petra Spiess; 1997
• Drs. Foster and Smith: Selecting a Safe Substrate