Care Sheet for UromastyxAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 4.14 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 12/25/2006 |
Main Category: | Lizards |
Sub Category: | Uromastyx |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Anonymous |
Years Experience: | 1 to 2 Years |
Species: | Uromastyx Mali |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Basic Uromastyx Care |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Mali’s can be difficult to sex since they can mimic each other. Usually the males are larger when full grown than a female with a dark black head, feet and tails . Females are lighter , almost a tan/brown in color, with a smaller head and thinner tail base . |
Mostly Active During: | Day |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Bird seed and washed sifted play sand are the most popular . Never use crushed walnut shells or calci sand . Some people use several different types of substrates ,for example using a slate , tile or reptile carpet with a box of sand for digging in .If using carpet make sure the edges do not fray .Uro’s like to dig and naturally live in a rocky or desert area .Uro’s under 7 inches should be on paper towels with no sandbox .Healthy Uro’s get their water from their foods and should not have a water bowl in the cage since it will increase the humidity . Only a dehydrated Uro would need a water bowl place in the cage for short periods of time then taken out . |
Lighting and UVB: | They need bright lights during the day and a good UVB light . Mega Ray Mercury Vapor bulbs are worth the extra expense . UVB fluorescent bulbs should be no less than 7% and changed at least every 5-6 months . The UVB bulbs need to be 12" or less from the bottom of the cage with no screen , glass or plastic between the Uro and the light or the UVB rays will be blocked.UVB rays will give the Uro vitamin D which in turns helps it process calcium , without it he could develop MBD. I disagree with some people that say they do not need a UVB light . Better to be safe than sorry . Lights should be on approx . 12-13 hours a day and off at night .Natural sun light can be provide by taking your Uro outside in a secure enclosure, if 90 degrees but monitor and provide a shaded area . |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Day time temps . should be 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit over the basking area , 100 ambient air temp . and 80-85 degrees at the cooler end of the enclosure .Night time temp. of 65-75 degrees . I prefer 72 . These are desert animals so I would aim for humidity below 20 % but if you can not always achieve that and you have the proper lighting / temps. 50% should be okay . |
Heating and Equipment: | Two of the most important aspects of Uro husbandry . Even a young Uro needs a cage no smaller than 4’x 12’x 24’. This is imperative ! An Egyptian needs at least 6’x24’x24’ . A secure top , two or more hides placed at each end of the cage ,a food bowl with a lip , two digital thermometers place one at each end on the cage ( stick on and cheep ones are not accurate ), a 150watt heat bulb in a ceramic socket fixture , at least one or two other lights with several different wattage of bulbs since it may be necessary to adjust due to changes in room temp. An infra red temp . gun comes in handy . Each Uro needs his own cage , they are solitary animals . |
Caging Provided: | A 4’x24’x24’ aquarium , screen folding lid, with three sides of the cage covered with aquarium backing ( to provide security ). I prefer to use washed sifted play sand as a substrate with large natural rocks, a hollow log , two hides , and a y tube leading into his hide . UVB light , heat lamp and two addition lights .I am using two digital thermometers , one with a humidity gauge . |
Diet: | Herbivorous |
Description of Diet: | The best diet is a large variety of fresh, rinsed greens . Like Bok choy , endive, escarole , dandelion greens , edible pesticide free flowers like hibiscus , orchids , roses, Pansy , nasturtiums ,squash , mango , finch seed , dried small lentils ( no kidney beans ). Ratio for greens to fruits should be 3-1.
On occasion peas , carrots , turnip greens , or collard greens can be given .Never feed spinach , broccoli , crickets ,or worms of any kind . Hence they are herbivorous . |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Supplements can be given sparingly but if you are feeding a good varied diet ,and are using a UVB light ,they are not necessary . If given , I would mix in with the greens 1/8 teaspoon or just a pinch 1 x a week . Bee Pollen Granules found at most health food stores can be given once or twice a week in small amounts . |
Maintenance: | Daily spot cleaning is necessary since they drag their food around . A much better cleaning once a week ,by wiping down the glass . A complete change of substrate should be done and disinfecting the cage and contents once every 3 months . |
Some Words on this Species: | Ow some creatures ! Once you have ever thing set up , there is not much added expense . They are a great size ,not to small and not to large .They can live up to around 30 years in captivity . More of a spectator type of pet ,docile , rarely bite but do not usually enjoy being held .Not for beginners or young children . |
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