How to Care for Uromastyx Lizards

Uromastyx lizards are native to the arid African county of the Republic of Mali. These mostly herbivore pets are active in the daytime. They live for several years, but grow very slowly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Measure the uromastyx lizard. Purchase an aquarium for the lizard that is at least four times the lizard's length and four times the lizard's width. Don't worry about height, these lizards are not climbers.

2. Cover the bottom of the aquarium with washed play sand or shredded newspaper. Play sand can be purchased at home repair stores for a few dollars for a fifty pound bag. That is much more economical than purchasing specialty sand at eight dollars for five pounds.

3. Regulate the temperature in the aquarium with a heat lamp on one side. The basking lamp should keep the one side of the aquarium at 120 degrees. The other (cooler) side will equalize at around 90 degrees. Also provide fluorescent lighting for exposing the lizard to UVB rays. Failure to have a fluorescent light increases the chance of the uromastyx lizard developing Metabolic Bone Disease.

4. Feed the lizard a diet consisting of dark green leafy greens, vegetables and a small amount of fruit and grains. The pieces of food should be cut no larger than the lizard's mouth and then mixed together to make a lizard salad.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not feed uromastyx lizards wild dandelion greens unless you're absolutely positive that no chemicals or pesticides have been applied for at least two years.

[BobbiK]

on 8/20/2008 I've had Henry (Uromastyx Egyptius) since 2002 and started out feeding him greens and crickets. Since then, I have introduced a variety of foods such as tuna, chicken, hamburger, corn, squash, and banana. His all-time favorite food besides crickets is okra! I hand feed him very thin slices of it (raw). Uromastyx are smart, interactive pets but are highly territorial. The only creature (we've tried other lizards) that Henry has allowed to dwell in his cage, without attacking it, was an adult female Uro. I rescued her from a pet store where they'd had her for months without proper treatment, such as lights!!!! They also were feeding her lettuce and strawberries and thought she didn't have a very good appetite! Anyway, I had Hazel for several months before she died. I hope she died of old age, because she had a super appetite and was very strong active and responsive. While she li