Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I saw my Egyptian eating a rock. I checked his poop and I think he does it everyday. I read about how in the wild how all Microlepis are found with rocks and pebbles in the intestinal tract but I am a little concerned. Anyone else see this before? He just picks them up and throws it back like a tylenol. Poops them out, too. Should i put him on SEEDS??? I don't think he will like that.I know they all do it but in captivity has anyone else seen this? Should I worry? Does he need an x-ray?

hmmm...maybe you will need to sift out those stones,but if you miss one, he will dig it up and eat it anyway. no x-ray unless he falls ill. mine has done it, too. but he is a champion.

gracias,papi. mine is a champion as well. i feel better.

Big Kooz, you've metamorphosed again!!

It's not okay for a uromastyx to eat rocks. I don't know where he would be getting these rocks from, but I think you need to look into a more safe substrate. Even if you do see the rocks pass through the fecal, you don't know how many haven't. That is a serious health risk, whether it be build up, blockage, or tearing of the organs. I highly suggest getting your uro onto a safer substrate and do have them x-rayed to see if any large rocks need to be surgically removed.

And it makes me wonder WHY he's eating them in the first place. Is there possibly a mineral deficiency in the diet or something?
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Saharan Uros (Joe and Arthur)
3.0 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, and Tank)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
0.1 Collared Lizard (Rorschach)
2.1 Green Anoles (Bowser, Sprocket, Leeloo)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)