Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I am getting a new cage for my 4 year old Mali and I was curious as to whether or not I should get solid or acrylic sides? Acrylic sides obviously increase visibility but I've read that Uros feel more secure with 3 enclosed sides. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Shane

If I can say anything conclusive, I've had poorer behavior/sociability from the animals in opaque containers, containers below eye level, and from containers where I access from the top. My Uros have a penchant for watching things (and each other) and utilize all open/transparent surfaces. If you have adequate/proper hiding places for the animal it might flee but I don't see why an transparent container would otherwise be less "secure".
I've seen the best behavior from animals at or near eye level, transparent panels, and accessible from the front. For new/acclimating animals, covering sides of a transparent container with paper temporarily, followed by gradual removal, is not a bad thing.

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uromastyx geyri (Saharan/Nigerian), hardwickii (Indian),
macfadyeni (Somalian), ocellata (Sudanese), ornata (Ornate), benti pseudophilbyi

I've had better tempermant with solid sides, with the exception of small screened vents. However, I think that it can go either as esoteric has pointed out. I agree about the front entry being much less stressfull on the uros. Both my cages are not at floor level but have always believed that the higher up, the less menacing (sp) we probably look to them.
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2.1 - Rocky, Runako, and RoxyIII (my care sheets)

Go to repticzone, both of these guys have the same question and answer, under the same post heading. Although on that post a few other people answered the post.