Reptile · Iguanid
Chuckwalla care guide
Sauromalus ater
The chuckwalla is a intermediate-level iguanid from SW USA, NW Mexico. Adults reach 30–45 cm and live 15–25 years in captivity. Keep alone. Provide stacked rocks with crevices.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 43–46°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 10–30%
How much does a chuckwalla cost in Canada?
Chuckwalla quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 30–45 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- SW USA, NW Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 43–46°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 10–30%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – leafy greens, weeds, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Arid desert
Chuckwalla enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a arid desert bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix15 cm
A deep, sandy mix packed firmly lets burrows hold their shape; keep only the deepest layer faintly moist.
Temperature: Basking 43–46°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 10–30%. UVB: Required.
What does a chuckwalla eat?
Herbivore – leafy greens, weeds, flowers. Fresh greens daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy; wedges into crevices when frightened, so do not pull it out.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and respiratory infection.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking temperatures; refresh water (or mist lightly for species that drink droplets).
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Lightly moisten one deep corner so burrows hold and isopods survive.
- Check rock stacks are stable.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer; replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a chuckwalla bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 cm).
Chuckwalla FAQ
Is the chuckwalla good for beginners?
The chuckwalla is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy; wedges into crevices when frightened, so do not pull it out.
What size enclosure does a chuckwalla need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a chuckwalla cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $910–1580 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $350–550 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a chuckwalla need?
Temperature: Basking 43–46°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 10–30%.
What does a chuckwalla eat?
Herbivore – leafy greens, weeds, flowers. Fresh greens daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.