Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All,
I have a two part question. I'm trying to find Mortimer a girlfriend.
First I need to find a female Mali --which unless you're from the Greater Toronto Area you probably can't help me with..
But (this is where I'm hoping for the advice) what is the best way to ensure that the pair gets along? Mortimer is now about 10 months old, and has been living alone (without the rest of his clutch) for about 5 months. I will have a second terrarium ready in case it doesn't work out, but generally is it better to move the female right in, or allow them to 'date' a little first? I don't really want to cause the new girl too much stress by moving her back and forth. Any advice? My terrarium is 4'long and 2'deep, 2' wide- I think it should be big enough.
Thanks heaps
(I'm going to start teaching primary kids next year and think it would be so fantastic to allow them to be part of the whole incubation process --touch wood) -first-must find the girl.
Cheers!
Maggie.

well i cannot help you fidn the girl being in New Jersey but i can giev you a little advice about introducing them.So far Rico and his new girlfriend seem to really like each other, today they were sitting on top of each other basking, very cute. but with mine i first put them in a box together rico saw her and was very scared. she walked around licked him etc. Rico got a little defensive but she walked right over him. I thought they seemed ok after 10 minutes so i put them into their redecorated enclosure. Rico got a little defensive but she once again just ignored him, since then they seem to be a great couple. I would just watch them a little on neutral ground first then introduce them. Even if they don't get along you can put them in for breeding...Good luck and keep us updated!
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Lauren
1.1 Saharan Uromastyx (Rico-orange, ?????-yellow)
Cozmo-Hannovarian/Trakehner Gelding
Chip-Dutch Warmblood Gelding
Ck-Hannovarian Gelding
Cruiser-Irish Sporthorse Gelding
Opal-Persian Cat
Dude-Jack Russel Terrier
From: New Jersey

Thanks for the advice!
Do you think that the fact that you redecorated made the terrarium a more 'neutral' place for your uros? It might put the pre-established uro on even ground with the new uro. Interesting idea. I think I'll try it.
Thanks again,
Maggie.

i'd say when she gets here take morty out of the cage too and totally rearrange the cage. maybe even change out the substrate so it seems like a totally new place. provide extra hide spots so that they can both "claim" their own areas. then put them both back in at the same time and they will be on even ground, neither will be intruders on the others' territory. keep a close eye on them the first few days. a bit of head bobbing and even some nipping is normal just make sure it doesn't get truly hostile. make sure there is plenty of food so that there's no need for competition. should be fine, good luck!
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1.2 Uromastyx Maliensis (Ricky, Quinn, Anna)
1.0 Varanus Timorensis (Zealot)
1.1 Varanus Acanthurus (Eddie, Roxie)
0.0.2 Uromastyx Aegypticus (Kronk, Yzma)
0.0.2 Ceratophrys Ornata (Mojo, Jabba)
0.1 Geochelone Carbonaria (Turtle)

Emily
www.egomantra.com/npoh

I'm having the same problem. Check out the Reptile show in Mississauga or even the Port Credit pet center. They have some uros there, some CB, some WC, whichever you prefer.

Hope this helps

P.S. At 10 months, how do you know the gender of your uro? Mine is almost a year and I still can't tell. Who can I see to be able to tell for sure?

Thanks
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

Heya,
I've tried to sex Mortimer myself by looking at his femoral pores. There are great pics showing the difference in appearance of male and female pores in the July/03 issue of Reptile magazine. He is pretty young and this seems to be the best evidence to go by so far. I would like to get others opinions, hoping to borrow my dad's digital camera to post some pictures. Incidentally, I would shy away from the Port Credit Pet Centre. I have heard numerous horror stories from really trustworthy sources on the condition in which they keep their animals. I'm also planning on going to the show in Mississauga. I bought Mortimer from the Reptile Store (Hamilton) at the show in April. He was CB and was with his clutch. He's in great health (touch wood).
Maybe I'll see you there!
maggie.

I'll probably be there late morning to early afternoon.
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra