• Tank – 40 Gallon
• Substrate – 36qt
• Digital Thermometer
• Heat Lamp and Bulb
• UVB Lighting – linear tube or combined with heating in a
mercury vapor bulb
• Shallow Dish for Vegetables
• Basking Perch – large
branches, stacked rocks, or
décor to allow the lizard
to bask close to its light
• Calcium SupplementAgamids require large amounts of floor space in their terrariums. A 40-gallon tank is a good starter tank for a baby, while an adult will need at least a 75 gallon or 120 for larger species
We recommend all agamids be kept on a loose substrate to allow for digging, burrowing, and a more naturalistic environment. Reptisoil, calcium free sand, stone desert and Bio Dude Terra Sahara are all suitable options.
Agamid’s need a hot basking site that reaches 120-135 degrees and a cooler area between 78-80 degrees. No night heat is required. UVB lighting should be delivered in the form linear style 10.0 UVB tube.
0-40% humidity is ideal. Agamids receive their moisture through their food and do not require a water bowl
Some agamids are herbivores and should be fed a variety of fresh vegetables- see species list in this brochure for details.
Agamids require fresh food daily. A small handful of greens should be added to their cage each morning.
Remove any uneaten food each night from your pet’s enclosure.
Calcium and vitamin supplements should be added to all food. We recommend Repashy Superveggie for daily use and a calcium supplement, such as Miner-All, Calcium plus LoD, or Arcadia Revitalize added in twice a week.
Dried lentils or millet should be added to the diet supplementallyA large basking site should be provided, such as a piece of driftwood or stacked rocks to allow the lizard to get within 8-10 inches of its basking light.
Spot clean your agamid’s habitat daily to remove any feces, urates, shed skin, or uneaten food.
Substrate should be fully changed every 3 months unless a bioactive setup is being used.Uromastyx can be handled but do tend to be shy or flighty especially when young.
It’s best to gently scoop up the uromastyx, opposed to grabbing them, as this can startle them. Try to evenly distribute the weight of the uromastyx across your hands and arms and support their body and legs. Take care not to let any of their body dangle freely. Babies and juveniles can jump, so hold these in the terrarium, low to the ground, or over a table or counter.
One of the most common health issues in all reptiles, is MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease.) This usually occurs when they are deprived of proper lighting and supplementation and fed a poor diet.
Impaction is another health complication, usually due to improper substrate coupled with lack of adequate heat. With proper heating and substrate styles impaction should not occur in a healthy uromastyx.
Uromastyx & Other Desert Agamids
Size: 10-20 inches
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Diet: Herbivore
Care Level: Beginner
Temperament: Shy
Activity: Diurnal
Species:
• Uromastyx – herbivore, veggie lentil and finch seed diet. Adult size varies by species. Flighty, take time to handle.
• Chuckwalla – herbivore, veggie lentil and finch seed diet. 75 gallon suitable for an adult. Tame down relatively easy.
• Agamas – omnivore, veggies daily with insects 3x a week for adults. Size varies by species. Prefer to not be handled/take work to be tame.