• 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 SupplementUromastyx require large amounts of floor space in their terrariums. A 40-gallon tank is the size required for an adult. A smaller baby can be temporarily housed in a 20-gallon
We recommend all uromastyx be kept on a loose substrate to allow for digging, burrowing, and a more naturalistic environment. Coconut fiber, Reptisoil, calcium free sand, and Bio Dude Terra Sahara are all suitable options.
Uromastyx’s need a hot basking site that reaches 115-125 degrees and a cooler area between 78-80 degrees. No night heat is required. They require UVB lighting for proper calcium absorption. UVB lighting should be delivered in the form of a mercury vapor bulb or linear style 10.0 UVB tube.
Turn all lighting off each night. Linear tube UVB lighting should be replaced yearly, the light may still work but the UVB output does dissipate over time.30-40% humidity is ideal. Uromastyx receive their moisture through their food and do not require a water bowl
Uromastyx are herbivores and should be fed a variety of fresh vegetables- see feeder brochure.
Uromastyx 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 supplements should be added to their food 2 or 3 times a week.
Dried lentils or millet can be given as a treat.A 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 uromastyx’s habitat daily to remove any feces, urates, shed skin, or uneaten food.
Substrate should be fully changed every 6 months unless a bioactive setup is being usedUromastyx 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
Uromastyx are native to Asia and Africa. There are 14 species of uromastyx that vary greatly in size and coloration.
All species have a spiked tail which can be whipped around quickly when they feel threatened and it acts as a good defensive mechanism against predators.
Uromastyx live in large burrows in the wild, and will replicate their burrowing behaviors in captivity.
The name Uromastyx comes from Ancient Greek words: ourá meaning “tail” and mastigo meaning “whip” or “scourge”.
Size: 10-20 inches
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Diet: Herbivore
Care Level: Beginner
Temperament: Shy
Activity: Diurnal