Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had the pleasure of meeting Doug Dix at a show in Arizona this past weekend! I also attended two talks he gave on Uromastyx Breeds and care. It was good to learn from someone who has the education (PhD in Biology) and experience, the research background, connections, and success that he has. I asked him his opinion regarding the soil substrate, and he didn't think it would be a good idea, especially for cleaning. Of course, he has a lot of animals to care for, more than most of us. Also, as to the rate of growth of juveniles, sure you can get faster growth by overfeeding, not brumating. Many breeders do this. But research has shown that these animals do not live as long and are not as healthy in the long run as those that are grown at a more natural rate. (I also know this is true for tortoises and turtles!)
So, after purchasing a beautiful pair of yellow Saharan yealings, I will be totally changing my habitats yet again. I have noticed that the soil does dry out very quickly, and yes it does collapse on them. So why risk it? I can't see pouring water on them every week!
Beth

He's a very interesting guy isn't he? I drove up to his house near Seattle, WA in October. I have two orange Saharan's from him. They are absolutely beautiful! I took Doug's advice and put my uro's on the same millet seed that he personally uses in all of his cages. And he has some awesome set ups - let me tell ya! But I'm reconsidering the seed thing because both of my uro's are continually getting the seeds lodged in the mouth. I have to pry the seeds out and the area gets all pussy and sore. And I think the seeds have permanently disfigured their mouths! So I have to switch to something else, but I don't know what. Or I have to at least get them something else to sleep on. Any thoughts on this?

Veronica
-----

Beautiful Dragons

Well, you could always go back to the playsand standby. If you would like to give it a try, I've got some in my garage. It has larger particles as should be sifted first - and it's mega dusty and heavy! BUT it was nice in that the uros could walk around in it easier than seed and they like to dig it around.

Some people use (and really seem to like) ceramic tiles placed rough side up with a separate dig box. I haven't tried that. I'm still deciding about the millet and haven't launched into any soil options, either.
-----
Torey
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
0.1 Anolis Carolinensis (Leeloo)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

I had always used playsand before, with no problems. They did like to dig in it, but at least they couldn't burrow and have it collapse on them!
Doug is a great guy. He never mentioned any problem with the seeds getting stuck in the mouths! He even had the yearlings on some seed, and they seemed fine. Interesting!
If all else fails, I'll go back to the playsand.
Beth