Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm really new to owning a Malis Uro and want to learn more, so bear with me please...not used to the "Uro" language jargon...Anyone out there have a good picture of a really great housing setup. I've looked at the images in this forum, and some are similar to mine, some are more ornate. What is the ideal way to set up a good basking area, hot spot, and cool area? Hide aways? Should it be a simple area, more dessert like surroundings? Could you put real plants in it? My malis likes those dandelion flowers, could I plant a small one in his cage? Can I put the cage by a window? The window area gets excellent lighting, but I'm not counting it to give UVB light to my pet, since the windows are tinted to block out much of UVB rays. I don't have the measurements of his cage, it's in a 55 gallon glass enclosure, with 1-3" of playsand, I've built up a hide spot for him out of slates (very stable-no way he can move them, slates sit at the bottom of cage and made a bridge for him to bask on), and built it up to about 12" below the basking light, on the far end of the setup is his UVB light and food, but no "hot spot". What's the best tool for finding the exact temp. under his basking light? Is it a basic thermometer? Cage is closed in with a screen top and that's what I've got the lighting sitting on. I don't think I've got it hot enough for him, I'm hearing 120-130 degrees is ideal, and the UVB light, I bought at the Pet Store I bought the uro at, recommeded by sales person, seemed to know the basic care of uros. Any help is much appreciated!!!

>>I'm really new to owning a Malis Uro and want to learn more, so bear with me please...not used to the "Uro" language jargon...Anyone out there have a good picture of a really great housing setup. I've looked at the images in this forum, and some are similar to mine, some are more ornate. What is the ideal way to set up a good basking area, hot spot, and cool area? Hide aways? Should it be a simple area, more dessert like surroundings? Could you put real plants in it? My malis likes those dandelion flowers, could I plant a small one in his cage? Can I put the cage by a window? The window area gets excellent lighting, but I'm not counting it to give UVB light to my pet, since the windows are tinted to block out much of UVB rays. I don't have the measurements of his cage, it's in a 55 gallon glass enclosure, with 1-3" of playsand, I've built up a hide spot for him out of slates (very stable-no way he can move them, slates sit at the bottom of cage and made a bridge for him to bask on), and built it up to about 12" below the basking light, on the far end of the setup is his UVB light and food, but no "hot spot". What's the best tool for finding the exact temp. under his basking light? Is it a basic thermometer? Cage is closed in with a screen top and that's what I've got the lighting sitting on. I don't think I've got it hot enough for him, I'm hearing 120-130 degrees is ideal, and the UVB light, I bought at the Pet Store I bought the uro at, recommeded by sales person, seemed to know the basic care of uros. Any help is much appreciated!!!

Here is a link to the first two parts (I stil haven't finished proofing part three yet) of my views on uro enclosures, heating and lighting that should help answer a few of your questions.

Enclosure selection heating and lighting

I haven't heard of too many people growing plants successfully in the hot dry conditions that a uro requires. There probably are some plants that would do fine but they might not be good for the uro. If you do find something that grows well and is safe and nutritious please let us know.

Putting the cage near a window is fine if you take into account the heat (or cold drafts depending on where you live) from the window and how it will change the temps in the cage. Sun streaming through a window into an all glass cage can raise the temperature very fast. You are correct in that no useful UV will make it through the glass (glass tinted or not blocks most UV).

Unfortunately there is no "ideal" way to do anything as what works for one person and setup may not work for another. Keep reading and asking questions so you will have a good selection of techniques and ideas at your disposal and see which ones work for your situation.

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Mike Wilson
mwilson@fuu.net

Thanks for the info. I'm printing out the site so I can highlight the info. I'm needing. I'll do some research on maybe dessert plants - that would grow in an uro's environment. It would be interesting to see if I can grow such plants in Winter Haven, Florida? Hhmmm....I'll keep you updated!

lol, does speaking uro make me trilingual if i already speak spanish and english?
120-130 sounds like a good basking temp. as for measuring temps, some people have bought the temp gun from pro-exotics and say great things about it. i am not that high tech yet. i just have a indoor/outdoor thermometer from walmart. i keep the arm under the basking spot and leave the main part on the cooler end to make sure i have a good gradient going on.
my set up is very basic. helga has rocks to bask on and two hidespots on each end of the cage. no sand for her yet, as she has feet problems.
hugo is in a taller cage than helga so i have a plastic box that he can crawl up on to get within 12 inches of the UVB light and rocks and a hide spot. this is his temporary home which he will be moving out of soon so he and helga can become friends
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vonnie
***There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it. Mary Wilson Little ***