Q&A for How to Feed an Anole Green Lizard

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I caught my anole in the backyard, and I don't know if it had enough food. Can I feed him 2-4 that day?

Community Answer

If he eats it all, then he is hungry for it, and you should therefore feed it to him.

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Question

Do I give just one cricket all at once, then no more food for the rest of the day? Can I give my anole treats?

Community Answer

You may give him whatever he feels like eating. He will stop eating when he is full. You may give him treats.

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Question

Is it bad to hand feed my lizard?

Community Answer

No, just make sure that your hands are clean.

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Question

Is it okay to just feed an anole crickets or is it better to have a variety of food when I feed it?

Community Answer

It's way better to also feed your lizard mealworms and superworms. Just do not give them waxworms as they are not good for your anole.

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Question

When I try to grab my anole, will it become defensive and attack, or will it run away?

Community Answer

Run away. The more you handle a reptile the more comfortable they become with you and calmer they are. That being said, some lizards will never really allow you to handle them, and I would place anoles in this category. Chinese Water Dragons are usually an inexpensive and readily available and mostly friendly lizard, mine used to sit on my hat and just hang out. Bearded dragons also make a great pet, they are easier to care for than the water dragon but are usually more expensive. Iguanas can be friendly, but they get very large.

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Question

My anole ate a small moth, and it is not feeling well. It just hides in its half log hideout. Why?

Steve

Community Answer

It's fine for it to eat a moth. Anole's are very sensitive to changes.

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Question

Can green anoles eat box elder bugs?

Community Answer

No. Feed your anole small crickets or anole food.

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Question

How much do I feed them?

Steve

Community Answer

Generally, four flies every day for a baby and one large cricket every day for an adult.

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Question

Can I feed my green anoles earthworms?

Community Answer

Yes, but they should be cut down into smaller pieces to be safe.

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Question

Do the crickets chirp in the container?

Community Answer

It depends on the size. Larger crickets will likely chirp while smaller ones likely will not.

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Question

I accidentally kept my anole's cage open and I saw her eating a tiny baby 5-lined skink. Almost a month later, she died. Could this be a cause?

Gabe

Community Answer

It could be. Five-lined skinks have a poisonous/toxic tail, and it is strong enough to kill animals.

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Question

Are they night hunters?

Community Answer

No, they are a diurnal species, which means they are awake during the day and sleep at night.

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Question

What kind of fruit will a baby anole eat?

Community Answer

They will mostly eat strawberries and bananas.

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Question

Can I catch ants by my house to feed to my green anole?

Community Answer

No, I wouldn't recommend doing this. You should purchase food for your green anole.

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Question

Can I feed my anole outdoor crickets or just pet store ones?

Community Answer

Outdoor crickets will have parasites, so it's always better to get it from a pet store.

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Question

What if I caught him, and I do not know when he has eaten last?

Community Answer

He will eat when he is ready, so just release a live insect into the cage with him.

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Question

If I caught my anole lizard in the backyard, will it eat from a dish, or can I train it to eat from one?

Community Answer

They will most likely not eat from a dish, you can just release insects into the cage and it will eat them.

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Question

Can I feed them superworms?

Community Answer

Superworms are way too big for a green or brown anole and their mandibles can injure your lizard, so it's best to avoid them.

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Question

What fruits will my anoles eat?

Community Answer

Green anoles will occasionally eat fruit, particularly sweet fruits, but they should be a treat you give them once in a while. They need soft fruit though, such as pieces of plums, peaches, and bananas. Add some vitamin powder and honey. Some will eat baby food fruit (peach or apricot) from time to time but it should be used as an emergency food rather than a staple part of their diet.

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Question

Are they easy to take care of.

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you follow the proper steps to take care of them.

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Question

Do anoles eat dead crickets?

Community Answer

Yes, but anoles prefer live food. Wiggle the dead cricket with tweezers to mimic movement. If the cricket is frozen, make sure it is thawed before feeding.

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Question

Is a small environment for one anole okay?

Community Answer

Bigger enclosures are always better when properly cluttered. Do not go below the minimum size (about 10 gallons).

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Question

How long can the brown anole live without food?

Fiona Shepley

Top Answerer

Many species of lizard can go months without food, but this obviously isn’t ideal. If your anole isn’t eating, check that the conditions of their tank are optimal, and consult an exotic vet.

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Question

Do mealworms need to be cut in pieces?

Community Answer

They don't need to be cut up unless they are too big for your anole to eat whole.

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Question

What should I do if my anole is brown and green?

Fiona Shepley

Top Answerer

Green anoles and brown anoles are two different species. If a green anole is brown, they’re likely stressed. Check the conditions of your habitat and take the anole to an exotic vet if need be.

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Question

What do I do if my anole won't eat the anole food I gave him?

Fiona Shepley

Top Answerer

Anoles only eat live insects. If the “anole food” is a commercial and man-made diet, it's normal for them to refuse to eat it. Give your anole live insects.

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Question

My anole hasn't eaten since I got him 3 days ago! What do I do?

Fiona Shepley

Top Answerer

It is completely normal for new reptiles not to eat. Just make sure his habitat conditions are good and that he isn’t sick. He will eat when he's ready.

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Question

My anole won't eat the cockroaches I caught her, what should I do?

FutureHow

Community Answer

You shouldn't feed your anole wild-caught food, it could have parasites in it or pesticides on it. Get some mealworms or crickets from your local pet store to feed to your anole.

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Question

How can I make my anole get used to his habitat?

Taylor Rhoden

Community Answer

Leave him be for a few days, and try not to disturb or scare him when feeding or changing the water.

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Question

What if I put in more than 2-3 crickets?

Community Answer

That's totally fine, it will just take a couple more days for the gecko to eat them all.

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