Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just bought a 1 yr old Mali at a local Reptile Expo and he seemed fine and happy the whole day. Brought him home, put him in his new home, gave him some time to adjust. The next day he didnt move around too much and i realized he was too chilly. I adjusted his lighting and temps, which are now good, but now he just lays in his hide and looks to be sleeping. When i try to ease him out to show him his food (i dont think he's eaten anything or pooped for me yet) he just lays there or turns his head. Ive tried kale, apples, carrots, sweet potato, grapes, and dry lentils and split peas. Unless he is eating when im not watching, he's not eating much. After i leave him alone, he goes back into his hide. I realize he is still stressed and needs more time, but its easier said than done. I dont want to lose the little guy... but im not sure how long this behavior is normal. He also looks to be shedding a bit... i got advise to give him a hot bath, but im afraid to stress him more, so i decided to wait on the bath. Any advise for me would be greatly appreciated.

Uromastyx don't need to be fed fruits, though. You can give them winter squash, parsnips, and carrots, so they can get enough vitamin A and beta-carotene, which really is necessary for healthy vibrant skin and good shed.

I'm sorry! I mean they can get enough moisture from the veggies they eat. I don't think is really good for them anyway.....

I would suggest getting an infrared temp gun if you dont have one. Quessing on temps for temp sensitive animals like Uros is not a good practice IMO. I finally broke down and spent the 25 bucks to get one when I got my first uro and its an awesome and indispensible tool to have. What may feel hot to you may not be hot enough/too hot for the uro. If you know your temps are on target, then it could be a stress issue. Also, add more leafy greens to the diet. My Malis love spring mix. Yours may not be as accustomed to the veggies you are offering and more inclined to the leafy greens like raddichio, baby lettuces, etc. I feel if your temps are good its more than likely adjusting to the new enclosure and checking things out when you are not around.

It could also be the time of year. My uros are shutting down and feeding much less even though their temps are staying about the same. They sense the shorter days and cooler nights even if we think they dont.

If you still have access to untreated Dandelions (flowers and leaves) and clover in your yard that would be worth a try. Mine was a rescue and generally will not eat store bought greens. All summer he eats this stuff from my yard. He does go through a brumation period beginning the end of October through about the end of January. During this time he eats very little. Also, just leave the lentils in a small dish Also, get the three bean mix (for soups) at your local grocery store and grind them up in a coffee grinder to just the right size for him. Mine also loves peas, I would cut these in thirds for a small Mali. I would stay hands off until he settles in more and starts eating.

I would highly recommend the Active UVB bulb (flood) for these guys. They are a little more expensive but well worth it.

Good luck
Linda