Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I have read about 4'x2'x2' as being the recommended cage size for a uro. I have a custom-built 36"x18"x"18". How long can I use this size cage for either a mali or ornate before he/she outgrows it? Or could this suffice for a single uro?

Thanks!

I think it would suffice for a very young uro up to a couple of years old. Maybe even an adult of a smaller species. The key is that the cage is large enough to provide the hot 110-120 degree plus basking spot and still have a cooler end around mid 70s to 80 degrees the lizard can retreat too. If the cage is too small, you wont be able to get the basking spot hot enough without overheating the rest of the cage. Just make sure you check your temps at both ends. I have read a baby uro can be kept in a 20 gallon long sized cage which is only 30 inches by about 12 inches.

The large floorspace is because of the temperature gradient needed... from 120+ basking surface temperature, 95-100 ambient air temp in the hot side, and 80-85 ambient air temp at the cool side. It's really hard to get the correct temps in anything smaller than 36" x 18", and even that's sometimes difficult.

Right now I have two baby Saharans in an enclosure that size (36" x 18" ) and I have good temps, but I also work from home and I'm constantly checking temps throughout the day and covering/uncovering part of the screen top with foil to keep the temps correct. It's do-able, but you'll REALLY have to watch the temps. We're upgrading to 5' x 2' enclosures this spring, which will be so nice and much easier to maintain good temps.

Hope this helps out...

Andi

Thanks for the help!