Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,
I, and my grandson, are new uromastyx ornata owners. I have been reading all your wonderful info and implementing many of your suggestions. I have followed the great links to Deerfern Farms and many others. We have had "Scooter" now for a month.We got him at the Tucson Reptile Show from Reptile Depot,California. He is very young (12 weeks now)and seems to be doing quite well. We initially had some eating concerns but by following all the great info received here and from other care sheets we think we have it kind of together.
I do have a few questions that perhaps you can help me with. In my local health food market I have found sprouted peas. I have heard two different opinions on whether or not they are ok. One is that they can be toxic and one not. Any info?
And I offer Scooter many different veggies, squash, peas carrots,greenbeans etc. but he has no interest whatsoever. Is it because he's so young? Or just fussy eater?
Thanks in advance. I'm very happy to join this very knowledgeable group.

I wouldn't be too concerned just yet. Uros can often take a few days in order to adjust to the stress of change before eating,(of being left alone, with part of enclosure covered, only disturbing them to feed them.)
On top of that they can sometimes be oicky about what they eat, or when. At first I would just make sure to keep their food fresh. They may or may not eat right away. They may wait till they feel it is 'safe' to eat.
Since you've done research I imagine your enclosure temps, hide, etc. is what it should be. Basking 120F /- it often helps to have a rock, log, etc, in the basking area and a hide right there too (especially when they are new.)
Remember they aren't very old and have been taken from their 'safe home', been carried around, handled, scared silly by a lot of things they don't know or understand. Right now the most important thing is for them to be able to trust you by being patient and giving them time to adjust.
I well know the excitement of getting something new. If you feel you have to hold it and still want to gain it's trust here are s few tips.
1) Move slowly when you pick it up. If it runs still move slowly but steadily so it can see your movements. It needs to feel you aren't "hunting" it.
2) Once you pick it up let it climb onto your shirt. Then hold your hands over it while on you "like a hide". Let it sit there 'protected' for a while, like coddling a little scared bird.
3) slowly move the hand over the head so it can see around, and still feel the protection of the 'hide'.
4) slowly take your hands away and let it climb on you without interference (careful in case it falls or jumps, best done while sitting on floor.)

You are it's new protector, and it needs to know you will protect it (not hurt it). Your actions are what it uses to interpret your intentions. How you move (slowly), how you talk to it (calmly and quietly), how you hold it (carefully) tell it who you are.
ENJOY SCOOTER YOU'LL SOON BE GREAT TOGETHER!!!!!
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**Kenn**

Thanks Kenn, We have limited our handling to just a few times since Scooter arrived. He doesn't seem fearful of us. Quite the opposite. He will even come toward our hand. I thought that strange but we do enjoy his curiosity. His enclosure sits right next to our sofa and chair so someone is sitting next to him all the time when we are at home. He looks at us as much as we look at him. I'm glad to know there are people out there to help us along. Did you know anything about the sprouted peas? He will take them from our hands every time. I have limited the number of times because I'm not sure about the toxicity. Thanks for the reply.

I haven't heard anything either way about the sprouted peas. I know though that Uros can be very picky, and I doubt they would eat something toxic to them. I would find it odd if they did. My vet tells me they will eat what they need, as in nature they eat what's available and so I would think have a sense about what would be toxic.
Sounds like you've been having fun already. It's great to get them out and let them climb on you and explore. You have to watch it though. They may seem slow but they're quick little things and can be interesting to catch.
I'm so glad you like and enjoy your new little friend.
God bless,
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**Kenn**

Uros can & do eat toxic things, unfortunately. Years back, early in my learning curve, I fed a large male mali an azalea flower. Within 24 hours, he was belly up. I didn't know & he didn't know.

Wow, I didn't think that would happen Arredondo. I'm sorry for your loss!!! I guess it hepled us to learn, sad as it is. Maybe we should start a topic on healthy/toxic plant info. I have some links to sites focused on plants toxicities. Either here or in general lizard forum, or both.
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**Kenn**

So NICE to have you with us! You will have to post some pics for us, love them

As far as your question on sprouted peas, I have heard peas should be limited, and many uro's do love them. I really do not use to many peas only raw split peas in the bag and lentils , they are always avaialble for snacking, sounds so funny hearing them POP as they eat them.

I have however sprouted my own beans, and given them to my saharan and egyptian. Everything but kindney beans, I think they are NOT good for them.

Maybe others will chime in here and talk more about the pea sprouts to ease your mind.

Again, it's real nice having you both here, enjoy the forum

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PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

Follow the link below. One of the articles is titled "Natural Toxins in Sprouted Seeds: Separating Myth from Reality". It may ease your mind a bit about the toxicity. There's always the gut feeling that if they sell it in a store as food, it couldn't be too bad for you. That being said, I'm not an expert.

http://www.vrg.org/journal/95jul.htm

Arredondo I'm so sorry to hear about your experience with the azalea. I will certainly not chance any new food that I can not research or run by everyone here. That is why I was concerned about the sprouted peas. I did follow the link from IN2deep and I think after reading the info, a few leaves from a pea sprout won't be bad. That is a great site but awfully technical for me. I hope I understood it well enough. Thank you PHEve for the warm welcome and info. I think taking Scooter home made me some great new friends. Thanks again

Pics as soon as I get some. We'd love to show off.

If we ever get too technical for you PLEASE feel free to ask us to simplify it for you!!!!! That's what we're here for!!! The only silly questions are the ones you don't ask.
There are still some topics here I don't understand that well. It is a continual learning process, EVEN FOR THE EXPERTS.
You just keep asking, and we'll keep helping. We enjoy sharing with each other like a family.
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**Kenn**

Yeah, well this curmudgeon will always be around to shake the leaves outa the tree if things get too dull...