Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had a mali that I'm pretty sure is male( because of the bumps on the bottom of the legs) for about 2 years now and it is three years old. I wanted to know when it would get large and/or get bright colors. He is only about 7 or so inches long.
Thanks,
Mark

Three years old & only 7 inches long? Something(s) huge has been missing in it's husbandry & no one here can tell you when it will "get large." You'll need to describe the total list of housing & feeding details before anyone can even come close to helping you & your Uro along. Chances are, if you've neglected the basics all along, that lizard will remain somewhat stunted. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether or not poor growth also affects color maturation?

Actually, he is 9 1/2- 10 inches long, I just measured. He is lightly colored, but is not a dark black or yellow. I have not neglected him at all. I feed him every day, according to the diet that the breeder reccomended. He is actually about 2 1/2 years old.... Any Ideas now?
Thanks,
Mark

I have him in a 60 gallon tank. I feed him "spring mix" greens like the breeder said to every day along with occasional strawberries and red fruits. I have a uv and basking light and the cage is at proper humidity and temperature.

OK, well that sounds alot better! Those 2 additional inches mean alot. However, those "spring mix" salads don't offer much in the way of good nutrients. Read those care sheets!

Ok... I've been doing some reading and I will replace the spring mix with with collard greens.
Thanks,
Mark

You should feed your uro dark leafy greens such as curly endive,escarole,dandelion greens and bok choy.Spring mix usually contains spinach and cabbage which can bind calcium and contains oxalic acid as does collard greens.It's best to feed him/her the greens I listed above as the staple diet everyday.Basking temps 120-130 deg.F.,warm end ambient 100 deg.F. and cool end ambient 85d deg.F..

Are you sure it's a male?Some females will be as colorful as males and are called male mimics while others will stay tan.

I'm giving you a link to a care sheet for you to read what foods you should feed your uro and other info.
Link

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Cajit

URO'S RULE ALL!!!

1.0 Mali Uromastyx (OZ) DOUG DIX

Other thoughts... Are you including all the various seeds & "hard" foods into it's diet? Calcium & vitamin supplements? Turnips & mustards? Flowers, such as hybiscus, mallow, nasturtium, etc? Also, keep in mind that in their native environs, things like strawberries & other juicy treats are rarely if ever available. Don't assume that you're offering your Uro a "better deal" with such treats in captivity. All that being said, expect to see mali males take on their adult shades around 3 years of age, give or take.