Reptile & Amphibian Forums

(1) Can someone direct me to a good Web site or book that provides information on housing, heating & lighting, feeding, etc. for uromastyx? I want to read up on their requirements before I purchase one. I need to know what housing supplies I need before I get my uro. Every Web site has different information!

(2) Is there a species called a Nigerian Uromastyx?

(3) Are Ornate Uromastyx very pricey compared to other uros - like the Benti's?

you can always read at deerfernfarms.com douglas dix's website is really good. there is a nigerian which is also called a saharan or a geyri. i have no idea about the ornates. good luck with your reading and good job on researching first
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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 ***

Hi,

(1) Try www.deerfernfarms.com, or look at kingsnake care sheets, there is a nice one on uros. Proexotics also has uro information on their site. You have to read multiple caresheets and then see what is repeated the most often. I have pretty much used the Deer Fern Farms caresheet since I got my uros a few years back and it has worked nicely.
(2) Nigerians are Saharans (u. Geyri). They come in orange/red and yellow. This is the high import time for them and you can get them for a very low price, BUT, they have a difficult time acclimating, many refuse to eat, and they can carry a terrific parasite load to boot. My personal opinion is that if this is your first uro, don't buy ANY wc. They can be a heartache waiting to happen. You may buy them for a low price, but you will spend quite a bit if you are at the vet all the time.
(3) Bentis are hard to find, usually fairly pricey and skittish. Again, not the best first uro. Captive bred ornates are usually very friendly, easy going and a super first choice. You can get cb babies starting at $150 and going to $300. Proexotics had some beauties for $175 and up and their quality is excellent. There was a guy from California in the Kingsnake classifieds that was advertising juvies for $150. You can't go wrong with an ornate, they have super personalities.
This is just my opinion, but don't let price influence your decision. By saving a few bucks with a wc, you could be short changing yourself in the future. My ornates are the ambassodors of the reptiles at pet shops they visit. Anyone can handle them, they crave attention. Good luck with your decision.

Pam

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1.1.4 varanus acanthurus brachyurus
1.1 varanus acanthurus acanthurus
1.0 varanus storri
1.1 u. macfadyeni
1.2 u. ornata
1.1 u. ocellata
1.2 rhacodactylus ciliatus
1.1 hyla chrysoscelis