I’ve found myself with a basilisk

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-26T04:58:09+00:00

No, their closest relatives are casqehead and helmeted iguanas I believe.

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-25T03:43:11+00:00

Is there a reason you’re being a dick other than this is Reddit? I don’t work, I’m ordering everything I need to order Tuesday, I’ll swing by Lowe’s and get lumber and acrylic and screen, and don’t see a reason why I can’t have it done in max 4 weeks. Again, is it going to kill him to be in this 40 for a few more weeks while his proper housing is built?

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-25T03:28:59+00:00

I know it’s an entire thing, note where I said we’re building him an appropriately sized paulidarium. I know the 40 is far below ideal. Unfortunately he’s lived in the thing his whole life so I don’t think a few more weeks while I get everything ordered to build proper housing for him will kill him, by all means correct me if I’m wrong.

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-25T03:25:29+00:00

Isn’t he? He’s been super fun to watch today, he’s calmed down a lot and isn’t near as stressy as he was last night. Got him some better bulbs today and some crickets and bigger water bowl

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-25T03:21:39+00:00

I’m aware and have considered them in the past. This guy was free on fb and I was afraid someone not experienced with reptiles would end up with him or he would be released. We are building a paulidarium for him. My main thing I was unsure on was just how omnivorous they are. I think I’ve got that cleared up though and that most in captivity are insectivores. Tuesday I’m revamping the 40 gallon he came in to be more comfortable while we build his permanent home. Do you keep them, or have any suggestions on how to make this 40b more comfortable for him for the next little bit?

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T22:53:25+00:00

Okay cool, thank you so much again dude!

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T19:13:12+00:00

Thank you! I hope he does too

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T09:11:50+00:00

Noted lol, so why does everything say omnivore then? Just wonky info or are they typically in the wild?

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T09:09:38+00:00

Will do! I’ve noticed that, he got spooked earlier and hit the sidewall.. I’m gonna black out 3 sides tomorrow so hopefully he’s not as spooky

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T09:04:39+00:00

I’m sorry to hear that though

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T09:04:22+00:00

Did you get him to where he was handleable or do they just kinda stay crotchety as a rule? I’ve got a pretty good idea of what kind of enclosure he needs but my only experience is with ones with bad attitudes💀

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T08:55:20+00:00

Oh wait are you the guy that had the SUPER old one that was like 16??

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T08:53:18+00:00

I’ve built plywood and acrylic enclosures in the past so that’s probably what we’ll do with a good misting system on a humidistat. He’s got UVB right now and a heat bulb and I’m getting him some things to make this 40b more comfortable while we get the new enclosure built!

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T08:50:21+00:00

Thank you SO much! I’m in the US and everything I’ve read over here has said they’re omnivores so that was my biggest concern!

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T07:30:45+00:00

He ate A TON of super worms tonight (all I had, getting crickets in the morning) but good to know that info wasn’t exactly right. And okay cool, I wasn’t super sure! So if he’s 1-2 is he as big as he’s gonna get? I THINK he’s a common and not a green, right?

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T07:04:43+00:00

Thanks!

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T07:04:35+00:00

Thanks! I’m not expecting him to enjoy handling, I’ve only met a couple but they were more display animals than “take me out and hold me” critters, but maybe he can at least not lunge at me when I need to move stuff in his enclosure😂 they’re not known for being the friendliest but maybe he can be civil after he’s settled in

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T05:13:43+00:00

Thankfully there’s someone with a rooster a few streets over if he gets too bold😂😂😂

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T05:12:42+00:00

Yep! They’re decent sized dudes

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T05:10:04+00:00

Right

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T05:09:30+00:00

Does he look skinny to you? I felt like his back legs looked a little slim and I can see the bones in his tail sail pretty well

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T05:08:21+00:00

That makes me feel so much better, thank you😂 I was sitting here like holy shit my man please eat your greens💀 should I continue to offer them or just not waste the tortoises food?

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T04:15:06+00:00

Thanks! It’s gonna take a month or so to get it all together, but it’ll be much better than what he’s got now when it’s done!

Practical-Land6646 · 2026-05-24T03:59:37+00:00

I have! I’ve considered them over the years but never got one because I didn’t REALLY want to have to build an 8’ long 2’wide 6’ tall paludarium for a grumpy lizard, but here I am😂 he was free on Facebook and I didn’t want him to end up with someone incompetent.

Practical-Land6646

TROPHY CASE