I was just wondering if anyone here uses, has done or is thinking of making use of outdoor vivaria. I imagine it`s the best way to breed Salamandra salamandra or Hyla aborea for example. Or on the reptile front, the Lacertids which in my opinion we don`t see enough of. Lacertids are what sparked my interest in reptiles long ago when I was a schoolboy. (Back then Podarcis were Lacerta too) I think that they are amongst some of the planets most beautiful and interesting lizards behaviour wise too. I was spell bound watching a colony of Lilford`s wall lizards as a child at London Zoo years back. Balkan greens, Eyed and our own Sand lizard are all stunning.
An outdoor enclosure or two is something I might well have a stab at later this year, (building one anyway, would stock it/them next year) does anyone else do it? Does anyone else keep European Herps here either?

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It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a sick World

I used to keep L. Trilineata's in outside viv, but i sold them off to move the enclosure to put some sheds up, might set it up in the summer to put out some of my lizards on hot days.A larger colony of the smaller Lacerta would look nice though.Let us know what you decide to keep.
Ive pm'd you a link to a forum on outdoor vivariums.

Thanks Jas, I found the Outdoor vivaria forum a while back when I think it had just started. It`s definately grown some now.

I think maybe some Podarcis or maybe some Lacerta Agilis (not British of course!)

I was thinking of a low walled area with an overhang on the wall with maybe a moat- type shallow pond that some amphibians could make use of. We shall see

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It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a sick World

I've worked with Lacerta lepida being kept outdoors in the mighty British weather, as well as several tortoise species and some Stinkpot terrapins...Aesculapian ratsnakes along with some European viperids, all required a heat source as standard for basking but seemed to fair well 8)

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Regards James Stroud

Did you find that you could you sit and observe or did everything hide? I would have thought that they would have come back out if you waited as in the wild.

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It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a sick World

The adult eyed lizards weren't as scatty as the juveniles and would come out, even 'tamed' enough to be hand fed. The juvelines were completely different and would never really come out if you were present, you'd just see a mad rush as you walked over. It was funny watching large birds pass over though (all vivaria were net covered) as they hid completely and wouldn't venture back out for a while.

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Regards James Stroud

Would you do it again?

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It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a sick World

Definately, really liked the idea of it 8)

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Regards James Stroud

My green lizards would scatter as soon as you approached,but if you sat still for a while they would come back out. But i think with more of the smaller ones your more likely too see them more.

It really appeals to me too. Yes I think you are right Jas, a larger colony of small lacertids would be fascinating.

James, what additional basking facilities did you supply? Are there exterior lighting units available with rubber water proofed connectors?

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It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a sick World