About: Uromastyx are diurnal (active during the day) lizards native to Africa and the Middle East. They are solitary animals that live 15-20 years on average. Uromastyx are generally super friendly and easy to handle. Uromastyx can make a great starter reptile as long as you’re able to provide the necessary tank and heating requirements.
Lighting: Because uromastyx are from Africa, they need very high temperatures in their tank. The hottest area of the tank should be the basking spot, where it should be around 110-120°F. You should place the heat source on one side of the tank, to create a heat gradient where the warm side of the tank will be about 90-100°F, and the cool side should be around 80-85°F. The nighttime temperature should be around 70°F, so you may need a lightless heat source so they can still comfortably sleep (Like a heat mat on the side of the tank or a ceramic bulb)
A lot of reptiles can develop calcium deficiencies, which is why having a UVB light for a uromastyx is so important. UVB bulbs allow a uromastyx to produce Vitamin D3, which helps absorb calcium from their diet and can prevent diseases, and support their overall health.
Tank: Uromastyx can vary in size depending on the species you get. The ones that stay on the smaller size (around 12 inches) should have a minimum of a 60 gallon tank. Bigger species may need a 90 gallon up to a 120. It is also important to insure you have a screen lid to keep humidity low, and so the heat lamps don’t break the glass. Very low humidity is required (around 20-30%) and having humidity too high can lead to health issues like scale rot. Because of this you want a very low humidity substrate. The best substrate mix is usually 70% sand and 30% soil.
Feeding and Watering: Uromastyx are herbivores, so they shouldn’t have protein or it could cause digestion problems. Veggies like lettuce, carrots and zucchini can be fed daily, while fruits like strawberries and blueberries should be an occasional treat. Baby uromastyx can eat every day, while adults can eat 4-5x a week. They also need an occasional dusting of calcium on their food, 3-4x a week, to help keep their bones strong and prevent diseases.
Uromastyx rarely drink standing water, and often don’t need a water bowl at all because they are a desert species and get all their water from the food they eat. If you do choose to have a water bowl, make sure it’s very shallow so it won’t raise the humidity if it’s spilled.
Uromastyx Supplies Checklist
- Tank
- Screen lid
- Lid clamps
- Foliage
- Food bowl
- Thermometer
- Hydrometer
- Light fixture
- Heat bulb
- UVB
- Substrate
- Calcium
Have More Questions? Call the Experts at Moby Dick Pet Store at (248) 673-2520
