Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi!
I just purchased a Uromastyx and as it is my first lizard I could use all the help I can get!

I was told he is a Nigerian Orange, he is about 12" total so I think he is adult.

We are in Phoenix AZ which should be plenty warm for him, the tank that I have for him is a 50gal tank and is in the wall of the house but actually in the garage.

I would really like opinions on a few things I was told as far as feeding, water ...

I was told to put him in a container with water and soak him for about 1/2 hour but one person said 2 to 3 times a week and a book said once a week. What should I do?

I was told to feed him mostly seeds, the book said mostly plants and greens?

I am also thinking of building a home for him out in the back yard with shelter and a Hibiscus plant, I was told and read that they love the leaves and flowers, would that be a good or bad idea?

I would appreciate any help and opinion, if you think of something that I did not ask about, please mention it anyway as I know absolutely nothing about this creature.

Thank-you

>>I was told to put him in a container with water and soak him >>for about 1/2 hour but one person said 2 to 3 times a week and >>a book said once a week. What should I do?

Negative on the water. All they would do would be to walk through it and get very sandy. Sand water = tail rot. You could give him a bath once per week, just keep an eye on him and dry very thoroughly. In theory, they get most of their water through their diet.

>>I was told to feed him mostly seeds, the book said mostly plants and greens?

Finch seeds can be used as a snack, but not as a primary food item. Look into collard greens, bee pollen, dandilions. Search for it, there are a zillion posts on diet.

Good luck.

I wish you a lot of luck with your new friend. And since you say you dont know to much, heres a good place to start reading up, very good info.

http://www.deerfernfarms.com/Uromastyx_Care.htm

Anything else you need to ask, feel free, alot of very experienced uro keepers here that can help !

Glad to have you!
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Eve

>>Anything else you need to ask, feel free, alot of very experienced uro keepers here that can help !

He just asked!!! Phew. A Web link isn't near as much help as guidance from actual owners.

Ask away, orig. poster, but try not to ask about substrate. Folks will go nuts, guaranteed. You don't want to get on that TempGun person's bad side. LMFAO!

That was funny the substrate thing, LMAO

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Eve

eve was just leading him/her to a better source than the book that they were reading and encouraging the person to come back to the forum.
as for the plant, i think deerfern or whatever it is called talks more about it, but you have to be careful that you do not buy a plant with systemic pesticides in it. i know i have read somewhere to keep a plant alive for 6 months with no fertilizers/poisons and then the uros can eat it safely. better to be safe than sorry! good luck with your uro.
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vonnie
***One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries. - A. A. Milne***

Thank- you all so much for the info.
I just checked out that deerfernfarms.com web site, it is great.

I am going to get him at the store today, I got his home ready over the week-end, I hope I did it right.

You will most likely hear from me again soon.

Again Than-you!

By the way HIS name is Spartacus and I am a she.

If you think that is a bad name for a lizard I would take opinions on that as well!

Vanessa

I like it. Are you going to keep a theme to the names? (ie. name any future uros after famous gladiators? Maximus, perhaps? )
Either way, very cool.
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1.1 Mali Uromastyx (Ra and Isis)

You will be a great uro MOM, hehehhe

I also LOVE the name, quite cool, love all those gladiator type movies, I say KEEP IT !

Hope you post pics of your new guy for us, Good luck !!
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Eve