Care Sheet for UromastyxAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.48 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 01/10/2004 |
Main Category: | Lizards |
Sub Category: | Uromastyx |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Lizardcollector |
Years Experience: | 1 to 2 Years |
Species: | Uromastyx |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Uromstyx |
Sexing and Characteristics: | The presence of large femoral pores with waxy protuberance and hemipene bulges can often distinguish males, however this is not obvious on all species. Males tend to have broader heads but this is often subtle or misleading. Uromastyx ornatus are the easiest to sex due to enlarged femoral pores on the males and adult males are more colorful than females. Uromastyx acanthinurus can be extremely difficult to sex. Probing does not work with Uromastyx acanthinurus and may not be a useful tool for the genus. |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Sand, dirt and newspaper are often used for substrate.Many species obtain moisture from the food they consume. Water can be provided infrequently in a bowl. The bowl should not be left for long periods in the cage or it can raise the humidity to possibly unacceptable levels. |
Lighting and UVB: | Ultraviolet light is believed to be important for most lizards. Unfiltered sunlight (i.e. not through glass) is the best sources of ultraviolet light and lizards should always be exposed to sun whenever possible.The higher the UVB/UVA the better.
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Temperatures and Humidity: | These lizards are adapted to hot desert conditions. The cage should have a daytime hot basking spot where the temperature exceeds 120 F, however the lizard must be able to retreat to areas in the low 90’s.Night time temperatures should be less that the daytime highs. Temperatures should be allowed to drop into the mid 60’s F.
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Heating and Equipment: | Using Dome Light fixtures you can make one side of your enclousure the basking spot and the other the cooler side.Flouresent light fixtures can be put on top or built inside your enclousure ,these are what your UVB’s will go in.You will also need thermometers on each side so you know the right temps. |
Caging Provided: | Cages can consist of glass aquariums, metal stock tanks, or wooden boxes.Rocks or other objects should be placed in the cage to allow climbing and basking sites. Any heavy objects, such as rocks, must be securely anchored or the lizard will burrow underneath causing the rock to fall and crush it. Hide boxes provide the animals with a sense of security and are especially important for gravid females.
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Diet: | Omnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Uromastyx are omnivorous which means they consume both animal and plant materialsYoung animals more readily accept insects such as wax worms, crickets, and super meal worms, which should be offered three or four times per week. The following vegetables should be offered; kale, collard greens, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, corn, and green peas. In addition, dandelion greens, alfalfa, grass, and flowers can be added to the diet. Beans such as split peas, lentils, navy beans, and other should also be provided. Some of these beans can be sprouted prior to feeding. Bird seed should also be mixed in with the salad.
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Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | A reptile vitamin containing calcium should be sprinkled on the salad.
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Maintenance: | Maintenance with these types of lizards are fairly easy ,they dont need a lot of water and eat a variety of foods and dont grow to big, so if you like easy to maintain pets Uro’s are for you. |
Some Words on this Species: | These interesting lizards have become more popular during the last few years,and make great pets. |
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