Uromastyx Lizard | Care Guide

Uromastyx Lizard

Uromastyx is one of the lesser-known pet lizards, sometimes called spiny-tailed lizards, dabba lizards or by the nickname “uros”. They have pointed tails and turtle-like heads. Their popularity comes mainly from slightly more experienced reptile keepers as beginners often choose cheaper reptiles like bearded dragons.

They are quite similar to the better known bearded dragons in their requirements – they are desert lizards that require high UV light and should be kept at slightly higher temperatures than bearded species.

Uros should be fed a completely vegetarian diet although some will note that they clearly prefer raw foods. They don’t need a lot of water and can usually get what they need from their diet.

There are about 15 different species of Uromastyx, which are most commonly found in North Africa and the Middle East but also range across Central Asia and into India.

Size varies by species, varying from about 8 inches to 2 feet.

Like bearded dragons, they are best kept in a medium to large sized vivarium. But with these lizards, you should also allow them to burrow so a substrate like the Desert Pad is ideal because it simulates the savannah floor that Uro calls home. You can also use a mixture of sand and clay.

Uro likes lots of places to hide, so consider reptile caves, coconut caves, and wooden aquarium decorations.

Aim for a daytime temperature of 85-90F, a sun exposure of 98-115F, and a nighttime temperature of no lower than 75F.

When it comes to lighting and heating systems, the contents of our bearded dragon starter kit is a pretty good guide.

Uromastyxs’ diet is mainly vegetarian (grass-eating), so you can feed them dandelion greens and bok choy. Green vegetables like lettuce do not have much nutritional value but are a good source of water. Many experts recommend avoiding dark green vegetables such as spinach, radishes and kale because oxalates prevent the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream.

Many lizard keepers will recommend a strict vegetarian diet noting that high protein is harmful to the lizard’s liver while other keepers note that a few crickets should not be given as a regular treat. for lizards. For balance, it’s probably best to stick to vegetables – just because reptiles may like a dish doesn’t mean it’s good for them. An analogy could be people with cigarettes – they may like them but the long-term effects are harmful.

Uros is a very approachable lizard. They are docile, calm and only bite when they feel threatened – and they often give “fair warning” before biting.

How to care for your pet

Like most other lizards and reptile pets, your Uromastyx is best kept in a terrarium. Juvenile and small adult uromastyx (under 10 inches) should be provided with a tank that is at least 36 by 18 inches. Those up to 15 inches in size should have a slightly larger tank measuring 48 x 18 inches, and even larger pets should be kept in a 72 x 24 inch enclosure. Providing your lizard with enough space is important to simulate a semi-natural environment and allow it to engage in natural behaviors.

Uromastyx substrate

In the wild, Uromastyx lives in sandy and rocky deserts. However, in captivity, any type of loose substrate is not recommended. Sand, dirt, and even wood chips can cause blockages when swallowed and cause breathing problems for your Uromastyx. We recommend using a reptile mat or tiled floor at the bottom of the tank. You can also use paper towels to easily monitor urine and stool output and detect abnormalities early.

How to keep your Uromastyx tank clean

Check your Uromastyx tank regularly and clean it as often as possible. Change water and food 1-2 times per day and clean each spot by removing feces, urine or dirt. Deep clean once a week by removing and cleaning all accessories and wiping down the tank. Harsh cleaning chemicals can harm your Uromastyx. We recommend cleaning with vinegar and warm water; It’s a safe and effective way to clean the tank and keep your pet lizard clean.

Provide the right climate for your Uromastyx

Uromastyx lizards prefer hot climates and need a specific area in the enclosure kept at a higher temperature for basking in the sun. Use a digital thermometer to ensure that the cool side of the tank is between 80-85°F while the warm side is maintained at 90-100°F. The sunning area is even hotter at 110-120°F. This can be achieved by adding a 75w-150w heat lamp depending on the size of your tank and the distance from the lamp to the basking area.

To create these conditions, you can use a combination of light bulbs, ceramic heaters, and UVB lights. Avoid heat stones and heat pads, and keep hanging lights at a safe height, out of your pet’s reach. Close contact with any of these substances can seriously burn your Uromastyx.

UVB lighting should be provided for 10-12 hours per day with bulbs intended for desert species. By using an automatic timer, you can help your lizard maintain a regular day/night cycle.

Finally, your Uromastyx also needs a moist place to hide. This area must be 2-3 times the length of the lizard so that it can enter and exit comfortably. You can create this by placing a warm wet paper towel under the shelter every day.

Uromastyx diet and nutrition

Did you know that Uromastyx lizards get almost all of their water from food? That is one of the reasons why they are well adapted to desert environments. Although they should be provided with a bowl of fresh water, they should not drink it – so don’t worry. Instead, always feed them fresh food that has not been dried before consumption. You can also spray water on the greens you feed Uromastyx to increase water content.

If you’re worried that your Uromastyx isn’t getting enough water, encourage it to drink by squirting water up its nose once or twice a week. Soaking is another great way to keep your Uromastyx hydrated. Place your pet in a shallow dish of water for about 15-20 minutes at least once per week. This allows them to absorb some water through their cloaca and also helps with shedding!

Although they occasionally enjoy insects, Uromastyx lizards are primarily herbivores. They need fresh green leafy vegetables such as:

• Collard greens

• Kale

• Mustard greens

• Dandelions (including flowers)

• Escarole

• Endive

Variety is key, so be sure to offer a mix of greens daily.

Eating spinach should be avoided as it can cause bladder stones in your Uromastyx. Avocados and fruit seeds are harmful to all pets. Citrus can be too acidic and cause gastrointestinal problems, so don’t feed your lizard oranges, lemons, limes, etc.
Fruit can also be added to your Uromastyx diet, but must be eaten sparingly. Fruits can be added along with greens once a week. Think of fruit as croutons on a salad; This will be your fruit to vegetable ratio.
Although not strictly necessary, you can feed Uromastyx insects including crickets, mealworms, and dubia cockroaches. We recommend providing about 5 insects once or twice a month.

Recommended dishes and supplements

To ensure that your blue-tongued skink gets all the nutrition and vitamins it needs, sprinkle its food with a reptile multivitamin one to two times per month and sprinkle with a D3-free calcium carbonate supplement every week once and with Vitamins. D3 at each feeding.
In general, it is best to provide a varied and nutritious diet for your Uromastyx so that supplements are not necessary.
That being said, some supplements are important. Every day, sprinkle D3-free calcium powder into your pet’s food. Once a week, sprinkle calcium D3 powder and give a multivitamin once or twice a month.
Sometimes lentils (soaked in water) can be used.

Uromastyx behavior

One of the factors that makes Uromastyx lizards such interesting pets is their gentle and inquisitive nature. Able to recognize you, Uromastyx lizards get used to being handled over time and do not usually bite, with the exception of some Uromastyx in Morocco.