Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there, I am trying to decide what Uro species to get. I am deciding between Mali and Ornate. The ornates cost much more, and I can't afford 2 although I'd like to try and get a pair.
The Malis are cheaper, but not as colorful.
Does anyone have some pros and cons? Or anything helpful to me? Thanks.

I also have the option of getting an adult pair of WC. LTC.
And I could try to breed them now...

I will preface this with a, "in my humble opinion"...

I would say either wait and go for Captive bred ornates when you CAN afford them, or get the malis. The malis may be less colorful but they are wonderful pets, and get a bit bigger I think than the ornates, though that may not be a fact.

The wild caughts will often cost you much more in the long run due to vet fees, time, and heartache. I do not know your herp background, but I feel that 1) the importation of these species should no longer be supported and 2) that wild caught specimens should be left to the very experienced Uromastyx owner/breeder so that they have the best possible chance for survival.

Speaking to the specific, "ornate vs. mali" question, I don't think you can really lose, they both seem to be winners! In general it seems like the ornates are a bit shyer and more sensitive, but that is just from reading the board posts, I do not own an ornate, just a mali and an Egyptian.

I hope that helps a little!

Elizabeth
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1.0 Mali Uro Archimedes
0.0.1 Egyptian Uro Zuberi Mosca Khu (Mosca)
0.0 Fish
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.1 Iguanas Flik and Loki
0.1 Newfoundland Jasmine
0.1 Feline Winter
Indiana & Wisconsin

If you can, buy captive bred. As posted before, it will save you money and heartache in the long run. IF you knew for 100% certain that the mali pair was indeed, long term (and I am talking years, not months) that would be a possibility as you would be well beyond the acclimatization and health problems. The problem with reptile purchases is that for most of us it is a leap of faith unless it is a long term breeder or someone you know. Many wc are represented as captive bred or captive born. I don't have a mali, but I do have 3 ornates, 1 saharan, 2 dwarf sudanese occellated and 3 rainbow benti. The ornates are the easiest going and the most friendly, then my sudanese, my saharan with the bentis being fairly skittish. Just take your time before you decide, research and make the best decision for yourself. The uros are such sweeties, you can't go wrong when you pick one for your pet. Good luck.

Pam

Well, I have narrowed it down to Ornate or Saharan. I have found CB babies of both. You can't house the 2 species together, right?
I'd like to get a pair of Ornates, but I don't have enough to get 2 at this time. And I don't beleive that they are sexable at the age of 6 months. I also read that Ornate females need to be paired up while young.... any comments on that?
Thanks for all the advise too.

Hi,

I had a pair of ornates for a number of months and then added a second female. I have had no problems. The bentis, on the other hand are all kept seperate, as they seem quite aggressive with one another. Good luck.

Pam