Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, so I have a mali and an egyptian together an a 75 (they are both small and will be upgraded as needed). I have read that its not a great idea to put live cacti in the enclosure with them, but as I have just come by two moon cacti as gifts and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with cacti in enclosures or if it is a huge mistake to do so. I think they would look nice in the enclosure but also wouldn't be heartbroken if they ate them.
any advice would be great, I would rather be safe than sorry but thought I would ask.
thanks

I vaguely recall hearing or reading somewhere that lizards in captivity don't seem to handle the spines as well on cactus as they do in the wild, even if cactus are found in their wild habitats. Also, I dont think cactus are native plants to any uro species, so they encounter difficulties from that perspective with the spines as well. And, if they are tasty and edible, or course there is the risk they will chow on them!!

FYI, its not really a good idea to house two different species together. They may harbor diseases or parasites they are individually resistant to and not show signs from, but could prove serious if the other got it.

I agree with KevinM. You should not be housing 2 different species in the same enclosure, no matter what size. Also, the cactus is a bad idea for 2 reasons
1: They will either try and eat it, or climb all over it, either way the spikes could do some serious damage

2: All plants, even cactus need some form of hydration to survive, with the temperatures and low humidity that Uro's need, the plant will just die. At which point if they try and eat it will be just as bad.

HI, The catus is not a good idea, but more importantly,,,,,

** NEVER house an egyptian with another uro of any species, even another egyptian. They can become very agressive, believe me I did it years go and watched in horror as my egyptian grabbed my saharan male in her mouth and tossed him around viciously like a ragdoll, after living together in PERFECT harmany for a few years.

SHOCKING, Best wishes with them both but I would set them up seperately
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PHEve / Eve

The above posters are correct, but spineless opuntia is an excellent planting and food for both Uromastyx and tortoises....
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....