Posted by:
rtl402
at Mon Dec 15 11:21:46 2008 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by rtl402 ]
I see a few issues here. First, how are you measuring temperatures? Basking should be measured with an IR gun and should be between 120-140F. Hot end ambient should be around 100F, cool end 80F, measured with a digital thermometer. Stick on or analog dial ones are inaccurate up to 20%.
Secondly, if the Uro is 11" there is no possible way for it to be 10 months old. The pics paint a very ugly picture of mistreatment before you purchased this Uro. It is incredibly thin and I am not sure what the discoloration is on the tail, hopefully somebody will be able to shed some light on that for you.
As for diet, do not feed any animal protein at all, worms, crickets, etc. Uro's can't handle the protein. Staple greens that should be fed daily would be endive, escarole, chickory, dandelion greens. The other foods you are feeding are ok as rotational foods and in moderation.
Also, as you mentioned this is for a 10 year old. You need to teach your child right away that Uro's are not a 'take me out and play with me' pet. They need very high temperatures and do not tolerate handling very well. They can stress easily and any disruptions in normal behavior can cause issues.
You did mention you have an enclosure of proper size, which is great. Also the UVB is a necessity which you have. Just be sure there is no screen or anything blocking the uvb rays from the Uro, as screen tops will filter out a lot of the uvb rays. Other then those things I would get the Uro to a vet ASAP. If there is a fungus growing in the tail whorls it needs treatment now, not in a few weeks. Try to call around and see if you can get an appt. sooner. Other then that, looks like your on your way to providing well for this Uro. Good luck.
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