Brown Anole

Intro
The Brown Anole originates from Cuba, but has been introduced into the wild in Florida and the Bahamas. They are exciting lizards to own, and their care is very basic.

Appearance
Like their name states, brown anoles are brown or grey in color. Adult males can reach 6-8 inches long while females stay around 4-5 inches long. With the proper care this species of anole can live up to 3 years in captivity.

Handling/Aggression
Anoles are not meant for handling because they are very jumpy. They are more of a look, don't touch pet reptile. Only handle if necessary to prevent escape and unnecessary stress.

Diet
Brown anoles are insectivores and they will eat any insect you throw into their cage. Crickets are a common feeder, and are healthier than mealworms. Also, it is fun to watch your anole chase down a cricket.

Make sure that you gut load your crickets before feeding them to the anole. Gut loading means filling them with healthy foods and nutrients because what goes into your crickets goes into your anole.

Hatchling anoles need to eat daily. Offer as many crickets are they will eat in 15 minutes, and remove the extras because they become a nuisance to the anole. Adults only need to eat once every 4-5 days. Feed crickets as long as your Anoles head is wide.

Housing
Brown anoles require very little space. A 10 or 20-gallon aquarium with a screen lid works well. When housing multiple anoles together, add 5 gallons of space for each new anole. Do not house two males together because they will fight and injure themselves.

If you are looking for the perfect setup for the Brown Anole, then you might want to check out the Full Glass 10 Gallon Reptile Terrarium 12 x 12" x 18 sold at ReptiZoo. Our company is not affiliated with ReptiZoo but will receive a small referral commission. Click the image below for more details on this beautiful enclosure.



Substrate
A simple substrate like paper towels or newspaper can be used for easy clean up. If you are looking for a more natural substrate, potting soil or commercially made reptile substrate product like Bed-a-Beast work great. Do not use wood chips or coconut fibers because they can be dangerous if ingested.

Shelter
Brown anoles will climb any branches or plants put in the cage, and they can also be used as shelter. At least two hides on the ground should be found in the enclosure as well so they have somewhere safe and secure to go.

Temperature/Lighting
A basking bulb should be used during the day to maintain a basking spot of 85-88F. The rest of the cage does not need to be heated. Turn off the heat at night. Brown anoles do not need any UVA or UVB lighting.

Humidity/Water
Being from tropical forests, humidity will need to be maintained at 70% or above. Misting the enclosure two to three times a day or using an automatic misting system can accomplish this. Anoles will drink water off of the enclosure or leafs so a water bowl in not required.

Cleaning
Simple substrates need to be replaced when soiled. Loose substrates need to be replaced every 2-3 months. Spot clean daily.

Breeding
To breed brown anoles gather a group of four females and one male, all fully mature, in a 25-gallon enclosure. This group can stay together year-around if you want the females to continue to produce eggs. Mating will occur in the springtime and females will begin to develop eggs. After a month, a female will lay her first clutch of two eggs. If you keep the group together, each female will lay eggs throughout the summer.

It will take 60-90 days for eggs to hatch. Some keepers keep the eggs in the enclosure and remove the hatchlings when they are out of the shell, while others incubate them in an artificial incubator.

Hatchling Care
Hatchlings will eat after their first shed, and need to eat daily as they grow. Keep them on paper towel or newspaper substrate so they can be monitored for problems, and keep their enclosure humid. They can be kept in a 5-gallon enclosure or a critter keeper. The rest of their care is the same as the adult's, just smaller.

Conclusion
Brown anoles are fun to own, easy to care for, and available at great prices. Remember, do your research before buying any pet so that it can live happily and healthily.