Emerald Swift Caresheet (Sceloporus malachiticus)
Author: Richard Brooks
Introduction
Emerald swifts are a docile species of reptile that are more of a display creature than anything else. Though with careful handling some have been tamed, this is not a suggested idea.They are a quick little reptile that is primarily insectivorous. Males are predominantly more vibrant than females which is a distinguishing feature between the two sexes.
Males should be housed with several females or by themselves. Like many reptiles, males will engage in territorial disputes.
Housing
Swifts are an active, diurnal species of reptile. They require an optimal amount of space and thrive better in larger enclosures. One to three swifts could reside in a 20 gallon aquarium.These reptiles are arboreal and love to climb so there must be an abundance of climbing materials within the enclosure. With the climbing materials there should be a variety of fake or real, non toxic plants intertwined. This will help to give this species a sense of security in their environment. These reptiles will feel most secure if they have locations within the enclosure that they can hide. Supplying them with hide boxes/caves/etc. is important.
They are also a basking reptile so basking spots with optimal temperatures should be provided.
Substrates
Swifts will burrow when they are fearful or want to feel secure. Their substrate should allow this. A mixture of sterilized soil and fine grain sand will suffice for this reptile.Heating
There should be 2 heat sources for this species of reptile. The first being an overhead heat source keeping the basking spots at an optimal 90-95 degrees. Many have turned to using ceramic heat emitters (che) for this purpose.The other is an under tank heater. Since these reptiles will also burrow, there should be a heat source at the furthest distance from the top of the enclosure. The UTH will do well for this purpose.
The ambient temperatures during the day should be maintained around 87-90 degrees on the warm end and 80-83 degrees on the cooler end.
Evening temperatures should be maintained around 70-74 degrees.
Temperature Monitoring
It is crucial that you monitor your swifts enclosure. This can be done with the use of thermometers. There are many different types to choose from and one for every budget. The use of two thermometers is recommended so that each end of the enclosure can be monitored.Lighting
Emerald swifts require UV exposure. Your UV light (Reptisun 5.0,Iguana light 5.0, Desert light 7.0) should be within 12 inches of the basking areas. Optimal distance would be around 10 inches. (This lighting is essential and is not an option!) Recently, new technology has allowed us to increase the UV exposure we subject our reptiles to. Reptile UV has developed a great new line of products that releases an unbelievable amount of UV. Have a look. They are the superior light and should replace your existing lights when the time is required.Humidity
Swifts do best in enclosures that maintain a humidity level of 65% or better. Daily misting of the substrate will help to keep the humidity up. Others have turned to using moist hides in place of maintaining the enclosures humidity.Moist Hide
A moist hide is designed to aid with shedding and to double as a laying box for gravid females. To create a moist hide, cut a hole in the side of a margarine tub. The hole should be closest to the top of the container but should have at least 1 inch of plastic remaining on the bottom.Place some sphagnum moss or a similar medium in the container and wet slightly. The substrate should not be so wet that water is evident. It also must not be dry. The best way to get a good consistency is too hold the medium in your hand and add water. Now squeeze out the excess moisture. This will leave a safe medium for you to use.
A moist hide will maintain a humidity level of 70% or better if maintained properly with misting.
Feeding
Swifts are insectivores and require a diet consisting of healthy insects. The most common insects available and used are crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and silk worms. Each of these insects make up an entire diet with crickets or mealworms being the staple of the diet.Supplementing these insects through gut loading and dusting will help to ensure that your reptile is receiving all the nutrients it requires.
Gut loading
This process requires you to feed your insects healthy foods. By supplying your feeder insects with fresh fruits and vegetables, they will be adding nutrients to their contents. This will aid your Swift with their nutrient consumption because they will be eating insects that are healthy and nutritious.Never feed insects directly from the pet store. They should be gut loaded first. Most pet stores do not take the time to feed their feeders because they are never in the store long enough for them to do so.
