Hamm show

[garry1965]

I've never been to the Hamm show so I was wondering if it is a good place to pick up captive-bred European Lacertids with paperwork? What sort of prices would you pay there for Green lizards (formerly Lacerta Viridis but now I think they're Lacerta bilienata). Would there be any hassle/import taxes from U.K. customs? Please advise.

[barb1]

Hi Garry,

No need to go to Hamm. There are a number of members on this Forum who breed Greens but they prefer them to be kept outdoors.

[garry1965]

That's great! Thanks for the heads-up Barb. Do they advertise them on this forum?

[barb1]

I am not sure Garry, as I am relatively new to the site You could ask Killian, or put up a wanted ad. There is usually a waiting list for Viridis. Are you interested in Lepida?
It's nice to to see your pics. The turts look really happy and contented. You look very skilled at making dens for your reps. I wouldn't mind someone with your skills to come and make me some places like that. Any ideas for getting rid of duck weed, I see some on your pond!
B.

[robv]

Hi Garry,

Fantastic enclosures - would love to know how you stop the lizards escaping from a greenhouse! I keep some of my outdoor lacertids in the greenhouse - but experience has taught me to contain them within vivariums!

I went to Hamm last year and there was a small amount of european herps - although sadly a lot of wild caught very unhappy beasties. European herps are not very exciting to the europeans because a lot of the time they can stroll down the garden and catch animals that we Brits would kill for!

Members do advertise Lacertids for sale when available and there are a few breeders of greens. I have some Podarcis muralis nigriventris (Roman Black) babies and I will have Lacerta trilineata polylepidota babies available within the next couple of weeks.

The adults of these species live outdoors all year round without any problems - I live near Bristol, but that is hardly tropical!

There is some information on this forum about the legislation surrounding the keeping of European Lacertids - basically you need to be able to prove that animals you keep are captive bred. All of the people I have dealt with provide certificates to prove that animals are captive bred - providing you have these you should have no problem.

Hope this is of use

Rob

[garry1965]

Thanks for the kind comments and advice, folks.
Rob, I have had something escape from a greenhouse before so this time I took no chances. I bought 10 tubes of cheap clear silicone and sealed everything - every single pane of glass is siliconed all round. The base is old railway sleepers that are buried to prevent burrowing. Also, where the sliding door is I cut a piece of persex about 20" high and siliconed that in the doorway. It's a pain to step over everytime you go in but so far nobody has escaped.
Barb, I put some duckweed in as a friend who also keeps turtles outside said his eat it. However, my boys won't touch it. I think they've been spoilt.