Keeping an Emerald Swift in captivity requires a few basic tips and tricks. The size of the terrarium is important, and so is the Humidity level. The correct lighting is equally important. Supplements are also essential, as are feeder insects. These insects should be fed at least 24 hours before the swift’s feeding time. You should also provide food for your swift at least once a day, and provide extra water in their water dish.
terrarium size
The correct terrarium size for the Emerald Swift depends on the species. A baby Emerald Swift can start out in a 12x12x20 Front Opening Terrarium, but as it grows, it will need more space. To keep the emerald swift in a happy, healthy state, you should use a glass terrarium. Emerald swifts require UVB lighting. You can install UVB bulbs in the habitat, as well as a basking area.
An ideal terrarium size for an Emerald Swift is a 40-gallon tank. You can keep a single female in a tank up to 20 gallons, but you should never house more than two of them together. Males are territorial and may fight if kept with females. To make sure that your Emerald Swift will be happy and healthy, try using branches or other objects that can simulate a forest.
Humidity levels
The humidity levels for an emerald swift’s habitat should be in the range of 65-80%. Misting the substrate twice a day is important. Depending on the type of enclosure, this may vary from one species to another. The substrate should be damp, but not soggy, and should be almost dry before the next misting. The Emerald Swift will also need calcium and vitamin supplements, so be sure to provide them with plenty of these.
If you’re keeping an emerald swift in a terrarium, you should keep the temperature in the terrarium between 60 and 80%. It’s not necessary to provide a completely humid environment, but the humidity should be clammy but not wet. It helps to add some cypress mulch and orchid bark to the tank to improve the humidity level. It’s best to use a humidity level chart to make sure your emerald has the right environment.
Supplements
As the name implies, the Emerald Swift is also known as the green spiny lizard. It is a member of the Phrynosomatidae family native to Central America. While it is quite similar to most terrestrial ground dwelling species, its housing needs are more extensive. In the wild, the Emerald Swift is most commonly found in rocky, cave-like habitats. In captivity, you can provide them with adequate height in a large cage.
The emerald swift is a small species with a lifespan of three to five years, depending on care. Their emerald-green scales are very distinctive, especially on males, which tend to be bluish. However, females are smaller than males and usually have gray or brown coloration. Females, on the other hand, rarely have bluish undersides. You should have a 30-gallon tank for your Emerald Swift.
Proper lighting
Proper lighting for your Emerald Swift is important for both health and appearance. While most species of this bird require high humidity, you should be sure to select an enclosure that is equipped with a screen lid and is all glass. You can purchase molded plastic terrariums and enclosures made for this species from vision herpetecultural. The best habitat for your emerald is one with multiple females, or a pair of males.
For the best health and growth of your emerald swift, make sure to use full-spectrum plant grow lights. These bulbs emit light that is in the ultraviolet B range, which is important for vitamin D3 and calcium absorption in reptiles. Another important aspect of the habitat is to provide a substrate that promotes high humidity. Orchid bark and sphagnum moss are two excellent substrates for this purpose.
Diet
The diet of an Emerald Swift lizard is quite varied and needs to be supplemented regularly. In addition to its regular diet, it requires a calcium supplement and a multivitamin that should be dusted over feeder insects every day. It is recommended to keep this reptile in a 20 Long tank with plenty of space for thermoregulation. Two males cannot be housed in the same tank, but any mix of males is acceptable in a larger cage.
The most important part of the Emerald Swift’s diet is a varied assortment of insects. These critters can be superworms, mealworms, hornworms, silkworms, locusts, and crickets. Feeding them regularly can ensure optimal health. Emerald Swifts prefer a feeding dish that can be pressed into the substrate. However, feeding the worms from the surface of the dish can cause the worm to burrow and ingest them.