Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, haven't been on here in a while, but here is what I am up against. Picked up a Saharan Uro a while ago (4-5 months ago). He is doing alright so far. Sold to me as cb, but later found out it was in fact wc. Which has definitely made it a little harder to get him better established. He has just started eating on a somewhat regular basis, anywhere from 1-5 times a week. I offer him fresh food everyday though. So far the only things he will eat is kale and peas, and I do offer the occasional super worm just to give him something to eat. That only happens maybe once or twice a month though. At first I had him in a very large enclosure, then I switched it a couple months ago to a 33 gallon long tank. He is definitely more active in this one, but eating is still a major issue. He hasn't really lost any weight or anything, and seems to be healthy otherwise. His temps are right on, and he has places to hide and climb in there. Just wondering if anybody can suggest anything else to try? I have tried every concoction for food out there, as well as everything deer farms has suggested on their website. Sorry this is so long, and thanks for any advice or critisisms.

Kevin

You may want to take in a fecal in case parasites are part of the problem. At least he made it 4-5 months, that's a good sign. Some just refuse to eat completely and that's when the real problems start. You can try chopping his greens in a food processor, so the greens he likes will be almost impossible to pick out and he will have to eat a more balanced diet. Good luck!

Pam
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2.3 varanus acanthurus brachyurus (Dorado, Oro, Dora, Freckles & Amarillo)
1.1 varanus acanthurus acanthurus (Tabasco & Sprite)
1.1 u. macfadyeni (Amani & Abeba) RIP Ayana
1.2 u. ornata (Husani, Zari, & Bintu)
1.1 u. ocellata (Zuhri & Ashai)
0.1.2 u. a. aegypticus (Zahra Urbi, Halima & Sagira)
1.1 hyla chrysoscelis (Pudge & Squirt)

this may sound wacky, but he/she may need a partner. I've had a few along the way that did much, much better when another was introduced, especially if the other is a good eater, some of them learn little things from others. could also be the time of the year. Most of mine are slowing down in the eating dept now. One last thing that almost never fails is to sprinkle some dry lentils and split peas, barley and bird seed on the sand. Never saw that won't pick at it throughout the day.

Have you tried flowers, Hibiscus, Dandelion, etc? Often, that's the catalyst. Try scattering about some juvenile bearded dragon food on the substrate. They love to "peck." Another thing they LOVE is Pretty Bird finch food. Toss some bee pollen granules about (get them from the health food store). In the meantime, offer them Romaine. They love it. It isn't nutritious but it will definitely keep them hydrated until they acclimate & you can even sprinkle your supplements onto it. Beyond foodstuffs, really scrutinize their "hides." Like us, Uros need a good night's sleep. They NEED to wedge tightly to get that comfortable sleep. If they don't sleep well, they don't eat well. Also, sometimes we fool ourselves. If you put out a heaping bowl of greens in the AM & when you come home in the PM & it looks hardly touched, don't despair. They can satisfy their appetites very well without you being able to see a reduction in that pile.
Your guys are gonna be just fine if, as you say, the temps are good & the lighting is bright. One more thing. Lots of Uros love to climb & also get close to the UV light. Give them that opportunity as it can make a world of difference.
Hope this helps.
Dan.
Dan.