Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all...I'm definately a newbie with uros. I just took on a male ornate uromastyx that a friend didn't want anymore and am curious as to what the white deposits on its nostrils are. I pretty much take him out every day to remove these deposits. They are kinda hard but come off easily. Should I be concerned about this? If so, please help!

Also, I have read from various sources that night-time temperatures are okay to drop into the sixties but somehow it just feels wrong. Should I supply night-time heating for my uro? I keep a cold apartment, and though I am able to keep the day-time at 110 degrees, I don't have night-time heating as of right now.

Thanks for the help!
Fernando

The white on the nostrils is mineral/salt deposites, and is normal. However, your temps do not sound right to me.

When you say that the daytime temps are 110, what do you mean? Do you mean that the whole enclosure is staying at 110 degrees? If so, that is way too hot for ambient or overall temps. The proper temperature range for a uro enclosure is as follows:

Overall cool side temps 80ish
Overall hot side temps 95-100
BASKING SURFACE temps measured with an accurate thermometer such as a temp gun or a digital with probe laid directly on the basking surface should be 120-130F degrees.

Here is a really good care sheet that you really should read if you want the uro to stay healthy. They are very hard to keep unless you do it right.
http://www.deerfernfarms.com/Uromastyx_Care.htm

Agreed with Rosebuds. Also, to answer about the night temps, they can survive with night temps in the 60s, but it's better to have it in the mid-70s or so. A ceramic heat emitter is the best way to do that. He won't be so sluggish and slow to wake up if you keep him somewhat warmer.
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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)