Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have never bathed my Uros because I always thought that you should not get them wet because it can cause tail rot.(?)(I think I read it somewhere) Is it true? I was just wondering. Sometimes I wipe off Rex's head with a wet wash rag if he needs it, but I have never let my Uros soak in water.

Thanks!
Crissey

Safe, maybe, if you completely dry them afterwards. The real questions are if they're really necessary & if they actually benefit from it. My guess is no to both.
I seriouly doubt they have opportunities to submerge in their natural environs. And, from all I've read, there's no evidence to support the idea that they absorb water thru cloaca or skin.
In my experience, soaking completely freaks them out leading to further stress.
Just my thoughts, but a better alternative for hydration (if reluctant to eat)is a shallow water bowl & another of romaine topped with supplements. This can be step 1 to getting them to accepting a more varied diet.
Whatever, a bath may be safe from a strictly physical perspective. But, factor in the psychological knock on the head &, well, go figure...
Regards,
D&L.

"Safe, maybe, if you completely dry them afterwards."

And I would add to this: "If you hold the uromastyx so that the nostrils cannot drop below the surface of the water".

In a wild attempt to escape the bathing enclosure (those that choose flight over fright), a stressed uromastyx can quickly submerge its head below the surface of the water and aspirate fluid. It may not matter if the water is an inch deep and you are standing next to the animal as this can all take place within a blink of an eye.

I would not suggest bathing uromastyx as a standard husbandry practice.