There are several species of uromastyx, or spiny-tailed lizards, that make good beginner pets. These lizards are native to Africa, the Middle East, and India, and they enjoy handling.[1]
Do Uromastyx Like To Be Held?
On average, Uromastyx are very docile lizards, and some even seem to enjoy attention. However, it can take some time to tame a young lizard to that level of trust. Hand feeding is an excellent way to condition your lizard to your presence. Gentle handling and slow movements during all handling sessions are important.[2]
Is A Uromastyx A Good Pet?
Summary – do uromastyx make good pet lizards? Yes, uromastyx definitely make great pet lizards. Their beautiful looks, curious eyes and interesting behaviors make them very fascinating to watch! They are also rather easy to keep after the initial setup and don’t require any live feeder bugs.[3]
Are Uromastyx Easy To Keep?
Uromastyx lizards may not be quite as easy to maintain as bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) or leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius), but they are still suitable for beginners who’re willing to learn and put in the necessary work.[4]
What Is A Uromastyx
Spiny-tailed lizardsReptiles[5]
Are Uromastyx Friendly?
Are uromastyx friendly? Yes, most uromastyx are very friendly, but it will depend on a personality and how acclimatized it is. Some can be skittish, but are very unlikely to bite.[6]
Do People Eat Uromastyx?
Think of them more as garnish or occasional variety rather than an actual meal. Uromastyx are unique in their preference for small seeds such as millet and lentils. Lentils are easily sprouted using a damp wash cloth. Dry lentils can be offered as well, and are generally eaten with equal enthusiasm.[7]
How Much Does A Uromastyx Cost?
How Much Does A Uromastyx Cost? You should expect to spend $100 to $200 to buy this lizard and anywhere from $250 to $500 for an appropriate enclosure with all the necessary decorations and lighting equipement. As they have recently gained in popularity, buying them has become much easier.[8]
Is Uromastyx Poisonous?
No, uromastyx are not venomous.[9]
How Big Does A Uromastyx Get
Most adult uromastyx are between 10 and 18 inches in length, the primary exception being the Egyptian uromastyx, which can exceed 30 inches in length. Hatchlings can measure a mere 3 to 4 inches in length.Nov 30, 2011[10]
What Size Tank Does A Uromastyx Need?
Juvenile Uromastyx need a minimum 20 gallon terrarium. Juveniles can be housed together in a 30 gallon terrarium. Adult Uromastyx need a minimum 40+ gallon terrarium. Provide plenty of hiding and basking places.[11]
How Long Can You Hold A Uromastyx?
Even docile and tame uromastyx will be scared and will mostly hide and refuse food for at least few days. What is this? In general, you should refrain from handling your uromastyx for at least two weeks after you bring it home.[12]
How Long Does It Take For A Uromastyx To Be Full Grown?
Males tend to be slightly larger than females. Hatchlings start out at about two to four inches long and ultimately grow to an adult size of 10 to 36 inches (depending on the species of Uromastyx). It takes approximately three to five years for a Uromastyx to reach their adult-size.[13]
Are Uromastyx Friendly?
Are uromastyx friendly? Yes, most uromastyx are very friendly, but it will depend on a personality and how acclimatized it is. Some can be skittish, but are very unlikely to bite.[14]
How Much Do Uromastyx Cost
How Much Does A Uromastyx Cost? You should expect to spend $100 to $200 to buy this lizard and anywhere from $250 to $500 for an appropriate enclosure with all the necessary decorations and lighting equipement. As they have recently gained in popularity, buying them has become much easier.[15]
Are Uromastyx Good For Beginners?
There are several species of uromastyx, or spiny-tailed lizards, that make good beginner pets. These lizards are native to Africa, the Middle East, and India, and they enjoy handling.[16]
Are Uromastyx Friendly?
Are uromastyx friendly? Yes, most uromastyx are very friendly, but it will depend on a personality and how acclimatized it is. Some can be skittish, but are very unlikely to bite.[17]
Do Uromastyx Like To Cuddle?
Uromastyx love to snuggle up and bask.[18]
How Big Does A Uromastyx Get?
Most adult uromastyx are between 10 and 18 inches in length, the primary exception being the Egyptian uromastyx, which can exceed 30 inches in length. Hatchlings can measure a mere 3 to 4 inches in length.[19]
What To Feed Uromastyx
Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, spring mix, watercress, broccoli, escarole, Swiss chard, parsley, kale, spinach, romaine, carrot and beet tops, cactus pads, okra, green beans, peas, pumpkin, and squash are all appropriate. Avoid pale greens such as iceberg lettuce or celery tops.[20]
Do Uromastyx Need To Eat Everyday?
How Often Should I Feed My Uromastyx? Juveniles (0-24 months) should be fed daily. Once they reach the adult (24+ months) stage, they can be fed a little less; you can still feed them daily if you want to cut back on the meal sizes; alternatively, you can feed them five days a week instead.Jun 5, 2020[21]
What Can You Not Feed Uromastyx?
For this reason, we do not recommend feeding cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts. These are all one species, which also includes the leafy greens kale and collard greens that may be used in limited amounts.[22]
What Fruit Can A Uromastyx Eat?
Fruit: Occasional. They enjoy a variety of berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Seed: Occasional. Some species can have occasional seed such as millet.[23]
What Kind Of Seeds Do Uromastyx Eat?
While uromastyx can eat millet, it’s not the best food for them. Millet seeds are high in phosphorus and carbohydrates. While millet can be included in a mix of seeds, but better seed options are hemp, pumpkin, flax, sesame and others. Offer seeds on top of salads, or 1-2 times a week (as they are high in fat).[24]
What Is The Best Substrate For Uromastyx
Despite being a desert native, uromastyx does not do best only on a sand substrate. They usually live on rock outcrops in the wild. That being said, they do enjoy digging. You can provide a somewhat natural substrate with a mixture of play sand and soil, compost, or peat moss, or a combination of these.[25]
How Deep Should Uromastyx Substrate Be?
To allow your uromastyx to dig, add loose substrate to make it at least 6-8 inches (15-20cm) high. In the wild, they dig up to 4-6 feet (121cm-183cm) under the substrate and even more! For babies under 3-4 months old, avoid loose substrate.[26]
What Do You Put In A Uromastyx Cage?
The best types of non-loose substrate is non-coated slate or ceramic tile, as well as paper towels. Non-coated tiles will hold heat well, which is important for uromastyx. Paper towels are also safe, and are good for monitoring poop. For loose substrate, please don’t use pure sand.[27]
Do Uromastyx Like To Burrow?
Digging is a natural behavior for uromastyx. In the wild, uromastyx dig and burrow to cool down, as temperatures can get very high. Most wild caught uromastyx will eat and then dig and burrow for the rest of the day. If your uromastyx is trying to dig the sides of the tank, it’s an indication that it wants to dig.[28]
Does Uromastyx Need Heat Mat?
Ambient temperature can be around 80-90 degrees. Nighttime temperatures should stay above 75 degrees. We recommend a Zoo Med heat mat or Exo Terra heat pad that stays on 24/7 to give them a little bit of supplemental heat during the night. Both of these are placed on the outside underneath the enclosure.[29]
Where Do Uromastyx Live
Uromastyx are native to Northern Africa, the Middle East, and all the way across southwestern Asia to northwestern India. Because their range is broad, their natural habitat varies, and although some prefer rocky crevices, others live in burrows and sandy deserts.[30]
Resources
[1]https://animalcityinc.com/blog/57313/5-great-beginner-pet-lizards%23:~:text%3DThere%2520are%2520several%2520species%2520of,India%252C%2520and%2520they%2520enjoy%2520handling.
[2]https://www.cascadekennels.com/uromastyx-care/%23:~:text%3DOn%2520average%252C%2520Uromastyx%2520are%2520very,all%2520handling%2520sessions%2520are%2520important.
[3]https://www.lizards101.com/are-uromastyx-good-pets-pros-and-cons/%23:~:text%3DSummary%2520%25E2%2580%2593%2520do%2520uromastyx%2520make%2520good,require%2520any%2520live%2520feeder%2520bugs.
[4]https://www.reptileadvisor.com/uromastyx-care/%23:~:text%3DUromastyx%2520lizards%2520may%2520not%2520be,put%2520in%2520the%2520necessary%2520work.
[5]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uromastyx
[6]https://www.lizards101.com/are-uromastyx-good-pets-pros-and-cons/
[7]https://www.cascadekennels.com/uromastyx-care/
[8]https://www.everythingreptiles.com/uromastyx/
[9]https://www.lizards101.com/uromastyx-lizard-facts-questions-answers/
[10]https://reptilesmagazine.com/uromastyx-care-sheet/
[11]https://zoomed.com/uromastyx/
[12]https://www.lizards101.com/how-to-tame-your-uromastyx-and-bond-with-it/
[13]https://www.everythingreptiles.com/uromastyx/
[14]https://www.lizards101.com/are-uromastyx-good-pets-pros-and-cons/
[15]https://www.everythingreptiles.com/uromastyx/
[16]https://animalcityinc.com/blog/57313/5-great-beginner-pet-lizards%23:~:text%3DThere%2520are%2520several%2520species%2520of,India%252C%2520and%2520they%2520enjoy%2520handling.
[17]https://www.lizards101.com/are-uromastyx-good-pets-pros-and-cons/%23:~:text%3DAre%2520uromastyx%2520friendly%253F,are%2520very%2520unlikely%2520to%2520bite.
[18]https://reptilesmagazine.com/the-lizard-language-of-love/%23:~:text%3DUromastyx%2520love%2520to%2520snuggle%2520up%2520and%2520bask.
[19]https://reptilesmagazine.com/uromastyx-care-sheet/%23:~:text%3DMost%2520adult%2520uromastyx%2520are%2520between,to%25204%2520inches%2520in%2520length.
[20]https://www.cascadekennels.com/uromastyx-care/
[21]https://reptilesupply.com/blogs/lizards/what-can-uromastyx-eat
[22]http://www.moonvalleyreptiles.com/uromastyx/uromastyx-diet
[23]http://birdandexotic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Uromastyx_2010.pdf
[24]https://www.lizards101.com/what-can-uromastyx-eat-and-how-often-a-list-of-50-foods/
[25]https://thetyedyediguana.com/blog/keep-your-uromastyx-safe-with-the-right-substrate/
[26]https://www.lizards101.com/full-guide-to-worst-and-best-substrates-for-uromastyx/
[27]https://www.lizards101.com/uromastyx-tank-setup-full-step-by-step-guide/
[28]https://www.lizards101.com/uromastyx-behavior-and-meanings-wiggling-puffing-and-more/
[29]https://reptilerapture.net/uromatyx-caresheet.html
[30]https://www.avianexoticvetcare.com/handouts/reptiles/uromastyx.pdf