i've only had him for 3 days now but he's already incredibly tame. aside from that, i've noticed some sort of whit crust on his snout (pic included) is he shedding or should i take him to the vet? also i was just wondering, is he plump enough? (pic included)
/Users/bgillies/Pictures/iPhoto Library/2008/04/22/P4220457.JPG
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is my saharan uromastyx healthy?
saharanurolover
Apr 22, 2008 09:57 PM
Replies (3)
bunkerhill165
Apr 22, 2008 11:35 PM
I have a saharan uromasytx and it is normal for them to have a white texture on their nose, i call them salt crystals but im not sure about the technical term. I've read that it is fine and measn that they are hydrated enough, so it is not a bad sign, but i'm still new and just listen to what i hear, i'm not an expert.
yesimhavingfun
Apr 23, 2008 10:36 AM
The white crusty stuff on the nose is sodium and potassium salts that are being excreted. No technical term, but you will find that most people will refer to it as "snalt" (snot-salt).
-Nat
el_toro
Apr 23, 2008 12:56 PM
The description of him as "tame" throws up red flags for me. When you say that, what do you mean? He doesn't run when you come into the room? He lets you hand feed him? He doesn't struggle when you pick him up? He snuggles up to you when you sit on the couch to watch TV? He lays on the basking spot with his eyes closed and doesn't move when you touch him? Healthy uros that have just been moved to a new environment are generally not described as tame.
If it's an adult Saharan, it's likely wild caught and likely has parasites. Get a fresh stool sample to the vet to be checked. It's very important and can make a huge difference.
Also, WC geyri stress very easily and can be difficult to acclimate. Be sure he's in a large enough cage (4' x 2') and has more than one low, snug hide. Leave him alone as much as possible for several weeks to let him get settled in peace.
The white crust, as mentioned, is how they rid their bodies of excess salt. It is normal as long as it dries to a white crust and it isn't thick and gooey or yellow.
I cannot see your picture, so can't comment on his appearance. If you look at his back legs and tail, they should be chubby and rounded, not sunken, thin, or pokey with bones. They can puff up with air when upset, so can give a false appearance of fullness in the belly - the legs and tail are a better place to check.
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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)
2.0 Green Anoles (Bowser and Sprocket)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)
