Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi, ive had my uro for about 6 months, i have homemade(out of wood) a 5'wide x 16"deep x 18" tall, but it doesnt seem open enough, it has a big raised rock for him to bask on, but he only basks in the morning then goes under the rock and sleeps the rest of the day until the next morning, i have all his lights on timers, but im going shopping tuesday, i think i will buy a good enclosure and set up his enclosure better, maybe he will be more active, i dont know, i need input on this. every once in a while he will run around in the morning but not often, he eats good, mostly mustard greens, and is pretty content in my hand, but he doesnt seem to be active enough during the day. sorry so long but i would like some input on this, setup suggestions etc. thanx a lot

jd

JD-
I first would be suspect of your heating (without more info) for lack of activity. Have you had a chance to read the care sheets available from www.deerfernfarms.com? Dustin Porter @ www.uromastyx.com also has some good info. Robyn @www.proexotics.com (who comments here frequently) has excellent ideas (Bold in some cases=)).Anyways, there's alot of information to be digested. Enjoy!
p.s. get a good temp gun or at least a quality dual zone digital thermometer-- it's a must!
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JDBlackdog
2.1 MALI
1.1 YELLOW GEYRI
0.2 SOMOLIAN
1.1 ORNATE
0.1 ROTTWEILER

with the heat issue, would it be too hot or too cold, i have a heat gun and a good digital thermometer and its around 95-100 degrees, b/w that. thanx

jd

Definately too cold.They love it HOT on the hot side.You want the surface temp of the hotspot anywhere from 115-140.That would also explain his lack of activity.

Spanky

thanx, i will put a hotter bulb in, but tomorrow im goin get a large aquarium, play sand, and other stuff that will make his home nice, right now he's in a home made cage w/ astroturf for a floor, i thought that was good but apparently not, i cant wait to get him in his new home. ps. do they make a top for a tank that has access to the inside without taking all the lights off? thanx

jd

They usually have cage tops for most of the tank sizes they sell. Ra is in a 40 gallon breeder tank (although a 55 gallon tank would be better) with a top designed for that size tank. It is a wire frame top with two doors for easy access. Just be careful not to burn yourself when you're handling stuff near the lights

Hope this helps
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra