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 #2135301


BigDogDaddy
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 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

My son and I are interested in obtaining a Mali. I’ve read the book A Complete Guide to Uromastyx by John F. Taylor. I thought it was good, but I thought I would check and see what you folks think of it and see if there is a better book to read.

I’m also looking for a suggestion for where to obtain a Mali. I’ve sent a couple emails to Deer Fern Farms and have not gotten a response. Is there some where else I should be looking?

I’ve seen that the recommended size for a cage is 48 x 24 inches. I wondering if a 36 inch long cage can work. I’ also looking for recommendations for a cage. I want a cage that opens in the front so I don’t have to worry about my son dealing with the lights to get into the cage. The Showcase cages look pretty good to me, but I’d like to see what someone with experience thinks. My goal is to have everything set up and working before the Mali arrives.

Thanks for any responses.
03/23/10  10:26am

 #2135302


Obi Carl Kenobi
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   Message To: BigDogDaddy   In reference to Message Id: 2135301


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

Hi and welcome to the forum!!!

Most books are inaccurate and out of date, check the uro wiki for the best information.
The recommended enclosure dimensions are 4x2x2
Temps can be tricky to achive so make sure you research what bulbs to get and dietry needs etc.
Like i said the urowiki has all the info you need and i cant advise on a breeder becuse im from the UK. If you have any more questions dont be afraid to ask
Carl
03/23/10  10:37am

 #2135304


Rose of Jericho
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   Message To: Obi Carl Kenobi   In reference to Message Id: 2135302


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

I don’t know that particular book, but a Mali is one of the larger species of uromastyx, and when considering enclosure size, it’s not just the size of lizard compared to cage, but complex things like temperature gradients, hot spots, and so on. Also, be aware that due to the high temperatures involved, some woods (particularly softwoods like pine) can emit toxic fumes, as can the formaldehyde-based glue used in MDF and similar, so be careful what sort of enclosure you buy. Building is your best option if you’re vaguely DIY-inclined, as it will fit the space better.

Be aware that you’ll hit lots of unforeseen snags (have you thought about hot and cool end hides? What about UVB lighting, which is essential to their digestion? Can you get your basking spot up to 130’F while still leaving a gradient of 95-85’F from hot end to cool end? Did you know that any type of insect is bad for your lizard? Do you have an IR temperature gun, because you can’t measure basking surface temperature with an air temp thermometer? What sort of substrate are you planning on using? Did you know they’re generally an observation-only pet and don’t often take well to handling? And so on).

It’s good that you’re asking this now, and preparing in advance - it can take a long time to get it exactly right and it’s only harmful to your lizard if you haven’t prepared thoroughly and need to make modifications later on. Please do look through the UroWiki (Link) as Obi Carl suggests above, and also feel free to ask lots of questions here, on anything that seems strange or unclear. Bear in mind that much of what you are told here may conflict with what’s in the book; the whole point of the wiki was to update and clarify the old problems with info on uromastyx care. Good luck with it, and welcome to the community - it might seem like a lot of work now, but these are beautiful, rewarding creatures to own, and I’m sure you won’t regret it!
03/23/10  10:53am

 #2135434


Ejammer
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   Message To: BigDogDaddy   In reference to Message Id: 2135301


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

Bigdogdaddy,

There are several good breeders in the States. You mentioned Deer Fern Farms,


Try this linkLink There is a breeders link. This will get you plenty of info. Some on this site are from over the big pond and don’t have access to are excellent breeders and knowledgeable uro keepers. If you buy one from them, they will give you proper care instructions. Don’t expect to find many for sale right now. Later this summer and early fall are your better bets. Some may have Mali yearlings at this stage. Try reaching out to Doug via phone. I bought one from him and he was great to work with. Do your homework and if you think a uro is right for you, try to obtain one from a reputable breeder. This will save you many heartaches.
03/23/10  04:13pm

 #2135536


BigDogDaddy
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   Message To: Ejammer   In reference to Message Id: 2135434


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

Thanks for the info. So far what I’ve read matches the info that has been provided. I’ll spend some with wiki too.

Thanks again.
03/23/10  09:11pm

 #2135540


Jbreddawg
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   Message To: BigDogDaddy   In reference to Message Id: 2135536


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

Spend lots of time on the wiki. After just a short scan of some of the caresheets from the above link I ran across this in about 10 seconds.

Quote:

I feed a mix of Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, Collard Greens, Kale and Escarole. Twice a week I mix in some green peas ,lentils and birdseed and, more occasionally dandelions. I. Usually feed thawed mixed Vegetables around twice a week to give them a break from greens. Once or twice a month I offer calcium dusted crickets.



Well, at least they got a couple of things correct but most of it is very incorrect. Just goes to show what ten years of passage can do.
03/23/10  09:28pm

 #2135752


Ejammer
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   Message To: Jbreddawg   In reference to Message Id: 2135540


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

The link is good for pics. lit and US based breeders which he requested. The care sheets are old, but Deer Fern Farms is posted. By far the best out there. It is up to date. Troy, Lindsay and others have one also. When you buy one from a reputable breeder(those listed), they will send you their care sheets. I hope if Bigdogdaddy buys one, he supports a listed reputable breeder.
03/24/10  04:46pm

 #2135788


Troy76012
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   Message To: Jbreddawg   In reference to Message Id: 2135540


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

jbreddawg,

I recognize those feeding instructions, those are from an article I had published 10 years ago in the Volume 6 No. 3 of the Reptilian Magazine.

I glad you pointed that out. I added some verbiage on my website that it is a 10 + year old article and to see my latest care sheet with a link.

Kindest regards,

Troy



03/24/10  06:46pm

 #2135799


Jbreddawg
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   Message To: Troy76012   In reference to Message Id: 2135788


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

Hi Troy, not trying to dog you at all or anyones caresheet that I have quoted from there. I’m sure you have bred more uro’s then I have ever seen. Just pointing out how things (like diet) have changed in the last ten years since more people are keeping and understanding them better .
03/24/10  07:15pm

 #2135810


Troy76012
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   Message To: Jbreddawg   In reference to Message Id: 2135799


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

Hi jbreddawg,

You got that right my friend! Many changes over the last 10 years, much better care advice for the Uromastyx now then ever before.



03/24/10  08:05pm

 #2135833


Jbreddawg
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   Message To: Troy76012   In reference to Message Id: 2135810


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

I kept an egyption uro named Mo close to 15 years ago. His main staple diet ? collards and mustard greens lol . Lucky for him I switched up his diet alot ,he got a good variety. Back then, we basically fed the same stuff that iguanas and bearded dragons got fed. There was no Internet to look things up. We had to trust the guys at the petstores and books with extremely limited info on uro’s . Most people who came to my house had never even heard of a uromastyx and these were reptile people !
He went from a hatchling to 2 feet long before I had to give him to my friend because I moved into a condo,guess I did some things right . Really wish I still had Mo .
03/24/10  09:35pm

 #2135887


Rose of Jericho
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   Message To: Troy76012   In reference to Message Id: 2135810


 Newbie Questions on Book, Cage and Breeder

Quote:

By far the best out there. It is up to date.


Quote:

Many changes over the last 10 years


Yes, indeed. Hence projects like the wiki. Many of the other sites don’t even have dates (original publication, last updated, etc) so there is, in fact, no good way to tell whether they were uploaded 15 years ago or updated 5 minutes ago. This is one of the primary problems in the area of uromastyx care.
03/25/10  03:04am


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