Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, so below i was disscussing how i was having issues with my uro hiding all the time...I wanted to post a pic of his cage so you guys can give me any tips..i will do anything to make him happier!!!

I am in the process of getting a mega-ray for him and today i added some paper to the back side of his cage to help him feel secure.

i am debating whether or not a different substrate would help - something like sand or aspen shavings that he could burrow in? but i fear he might never come out if i did this...although he rarely comes out now anyway...what are your thoughts?

P.S Sorry about the stray veggies He did come out for a minute today and made a mess! Lol

Thanks!!

Mim

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0.1 Bearded dragon (Hannabil)
0.1 mexican Black kingsnake (Morticia)
2.1 Leopard Gecko's (Pogo,Jeffrey Nothing, Louise)
0.0.1 Tokay Gecko
0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn (Autumn)
1.0 Blood Red Corn (Virus)
0.0.1 Mali Uromastyx (Scuttle)
0.1 Bullmastiff (Asha)
4.1 Cats (Poe, Tucker, Abhid, Felicity, Emmy)

i think it is too crouded- two hides are enough- one cool one warm/hot. places to hide are good but they need room outside of the hide
they need room to turn around without having to pivot
you can stuff the hides with play sand so to fit they will dig out a spot. they like the ceiling of the hides to touch their back.
do something about those wires(hide or remove)
the sticks will probably get more use laid flat or closer to the ground
make sure those bricks are sturdy- you can silicone them together or cement (no superglue-toxic and breaks in razor sharp hard pieces)
then get it "right" and leave it, everytime you change it you mess with their "territory"

Looks like you've gone overboard! Seriously, your Uro doesn't need all that mess. And you'll be taxed trying to keep the cage clean with the excess clutter.
You can take just a few flat rocks & create a habitat that he'll do just fine in.

Hmmm...its interesting, you know i gave him all that stuff to help him feel more secure and maybe in the end i just made it worse!!!!

Thanks for the tips though, tomorow i am definately going to simplify stuff...i will take out a lot of the extra crap and give him a nice warm hide with a basking spot and a nice cool hide, and maybe leave a branch in there (lying on the ground) to use as well.

I think i will fill his warm side hide with sand so he can make a nice secure burrow...should i moisten the sand to make it easier to dig through??

Thanks so much guys! I am going to make some changes and take another pic for you
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0.1 Bearded dragon (Hannabil)
0.1 mexican Black kingsnake (Morticia)
2.1 Leopard Gecko's (Pogo,Jeffrey Nothing, Louise)
0.0.1 Tokay Gecko
0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn (Autumn)
1.0 Blood Red Corn (Virus)
0.0.1 Mali Uromastyx (Scuttle)
0.1 Bullmastiff (Asha)
4.1 Cats (Poe, Tucker, Abhid, Felicity, Emmy)

No, don't moisten the substrate.
You're gonna be a great Uro owner, I can see, but first you've got to get over the initial nervousness. Trust me, simplest is bestest!
They don't have to burrow but do need a tight spot to hide & sleep in. One wide flat rock supported by a couple skinny flat rocks serves the purpose well. Sand is a good medium despite what you might hear from naysayers.
Lots of folks will advise a hide on both the warm & cool ends. In general, that's good. But, with some, that can be a hazard.
They'll go into the cool end & brumate. Once acclimated, that's not a problem.
You're on the right track. Just know that Uros are tuff as nails & don't require alot of fuss.
A.

Thanks for all the advice and the reassurance.

I made some changes...took out most of the stuff and made some new hides out of pieces of slate and stone...now i just have to finish tweeking the bulbs to get the temps right, as well as wait for the mega ray to arrive in the mail.

I also added another bulb so the tank is even brighter than before

Thanks again.

I will take a new pic tomorrow....hopefully these changes will help him to be more active
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0.1 Bearded dragon (Hannabil)
0.1 mexican Black kingsnake (Morticia)
2.1 Leopard Gecko's (Pogo,Jeffrey Nothing, Louise)
0.0.1 Tokay Gecko
0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn (Autumn)
1.0 Blood Red Corn (Virus)
0.0.1 Mali Uromastyx (Scuttle)
0.1 Bullmastiff (Asha)
4.1 Cats (Poe, Tucker, Abhid, Felicity, Emmy)