Are we really helping when we supplement our uromastyxs foods?
According to every book IV reed and all keepers IV spoken with, supplements are mandatory, without them uromastyx fail in captivity.
An other presumed mandatory part of husbandry is the no water rule! And also glass tank and wormers to name a few. I think part of the responsibility a keeper has is to question and investigate all aspect of husbandry, and also to share idea and opinions.
This past year I have tried to apply the above rules to a total of 8 WC ornatus 8 WC Mali’s 12 WC Saharans, in fact I was sticking to these rules thinking they where proved and tested in regards to uromastyx husbandry. A few months into acclimation I realised my new animals where failing and changes had to be don pronto, but how and witch changes? The above rules are so implemented that no matter where you seek help you hit the same wall over and over again, I am surrounded by animal professionals, these peoples have been part of my life for 30 years and I have nothing but respect for them, however all I got was (you need UVB-UVA) (you need calcium-supplements) (they need to be kept dry) (don’t give them water) (keep them separated) (don’t feed them insects) (you need to de-worm them) (keep them hot) these guidance given by the most competent peoples in this industry are all questionable, they all have variables that can lead to the death of my uromastyx, but also can be attributed to the successful husbandry or acclimation. I feel the later is most often offered to justify success, however is it really the case? what and how is it determined? Have anyone analysed the calcium levels in blood to actually justify supplements? NO! First mineral levels in blood aren’t stable; they fluctuate with metabolism giving inaccurate readings after reading. Also keepers my self included have shown that UV's are not involved in calcium intake in reptiles, doesn’t mater witch species or what habitat it comes from.
Here are my observations with my captives, I leave it up to you to agree or disagree with this, my objective is to get information on the move and new ideas from keepers.
4 ornated became paralysed (back legs) stopping supplements and offering standing water cured the situation.
2 Mali’s started twitching digits a sing of MBD stopping supplements and offering standing water cured this symptom.
All uromastyx at one time or an other have been seen drinking water, I feel water has a vital role in establishing uromastyx, some adult imports may take months to start feeding, without water they who’d die. I also think water keeps parasites outbreak in check, a dehydrated uromastyx is quickly overwhelm with parasites; water might be most important in minerals distribution throughout the organism and must be considered of vital importance in proper renal function. In acclimating uromastyx NTL 60-70f temperatures must be avoided as these lower temps promote parasitism, uromastyx will flush these parasites if given the opportunity to keep there metabolism in function.
When provided with the right tools uromastyx acclimate easily without any intervention from us, they feed when conditions are right (heat, water, habitat, stress) they get the most out of any food and if needed will seek minerals from habitat. This female roles stones in her mouth before having a drink, a behaviour that says a lot!
Pleas feel free to ask any questions, I have so much to learn about uromastyx husbandry, any conversation is bond to teach me something.
