Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am starting to get worried about my daughter's new Saharan/Nigerian Uromastyx. She eats very little and not daily even though daily food is offered in the form of fresh greens, mixed veggies. She is on a substrate of birdseed, so may be eating that as well. She definitely stays on the hot side (120 F) alot, and seems to sleep and not be active. Of course, we are not home during the day when she may be out and about. I even tried some Mazuri pellets and Pretty Pet granules (moistened by soaking) to see if that would catch her interest. Any advice to get her appetite up, or is this normal for this time of year? As mentioned in previous posts, she is probably WC and is maybe 8-9 inches long, so I think not full grown for her species. Also, all lights/heat turned off at night to allow night drop to 70 F.

Thanks!!!

To begin, Uros can drive their keeper crazy if what determines sanity is an empty food bowl at the end of the day!! In reality, they'll pig one day, fast the next, nibble the next & then just lay low for several. That's their nature. As well, many folks put out a "plate" of veggies in the morning & fail to realize later just how much has been consumed. Their stomachs are just not that big! That being said, their could be issues.
My opinion, millet fills their guts with non-digestable junk.
Is he looking bulked up? If so, don't fret just yet. If you see any signs of dehydration (folds), it's off to the vet.

Thanks for the insight on feeding behavior. I am so used to my torts tearing into a plate of veggies/greens every time offered. The good news is she definitely ate some mixed veggies the other day. She is a WC we picked up at a herp show two weeks ago, and wasn't plump when purchased. Secondly, I told my daughter the past three nights to turn off the lights, heat, and let it go down to room temp at night. Then turn on everything in the morning before school. We were a bit paranoid and left the heat lamp on all night at first. I think this might help her as well. That and patience LOL!!!

Temps should be 100-130 hot side. The basking spot should be about 130 the air temps should be aout 100 and the cool side should be about 85-95. At nigh temps may drop to about 70 at most wouldn't let go any further. Just for your sake no sicknesses and so on. Yes they also don't always tend to just jump in the dish either. My male nigerian is a trip. He comes out at about 10-11 in themorning and he will be out al day till about 4 or 5 and he goes to bed. Same routine everytday, somedays he will be out earlier and some out later! Good luck! They are awesome!