Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello I have kept snakes for many years but this would be my first lizard and I wanted some help. I live in Miami and I was wondering if it is ok to build an outdoor enclosure for a uromastyx considering that they are desert creatures and Miami is usually very hot. The part that really worries me is that Miami is very humid so I was wondering if that would be a problem. Also since it will be under direct sunlight would I have to set an additional basking light or would the hot spot temp from the sun be enough, and is an underbelly tank heating element a good or bad idea for a uromastyx for night time warmth. This is all I could think of to ask but if anyone out there foresees any other problems feel free to smack me on the head with them. Thanks.

The late Bert Langerwerf of Agama International kept Morroccans in outdoor enlosures. They are now in the process of selling the last of their breeding stock. However they are in Northern Alabama. Florida while it is very hot is sub tropical and very humid which can make the animal subject to RI and other disease.

I have to agree that the humidity in Miami may be a bit too much for a uro. My friend here in Louisiana says its too humid to keep his bearded dragons outside for extended lengths of time, and they start to stress out and pant alot. So I assume it would be worse for a uro in Miami!!

You can provide undertank supplemental heat for your uro if desired, but they need heat and light from above and do better with a basking light/heat lamp with UVB IMO. It simulates how they naturally bask in nature. I use a 100-150 watt combo UVB/heat bulb to get my mali's basking spot to 110-120, plus have another uvb fluorescent fixture on the top the cage as well for extra light/uvb. These are definite sun and light loving animals!! I do not use undertank heating on my uro or bearded dragon. At night, all lights go out and I allow it to cool off to room temp. As long as it stays in the 60s or above, shouldnt be a problem. In fact, some uro keepers recommend a night time cool off for the uros. My mali's cage is also by a window in the house, and I notice it slows down with the shortening of the days with winter approaching. She doesnt come out and bask or feed nearly as much as during spring and winter. Even with the same heat/light cycles. Maybe if I moved her so she couldnt see outside light cycles that might change. However, I think she likes cycling with the natural changes of the year.