Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Greetings,

I am researching Uro's to add as my next pet. I currently have an adult blood red corn snake occupying a 55 gal glass tank with front and top access points which I want to use for the Uro. Re-housing the snake is no big deal. My quest lies in finding the proper bedding for the Uro.

I have read Deer Farms care sheet (likely place I will buy my first Uro) and I am led to believe that bird millet/seed works best. Now here is my first question, which bird seed/millet can I use? The pet stores carry a large variety of seed. Do I want to use the seed meant for small birds (IE: cockatiels and parakeets)?

Aside from the bedding, I intend to not use a UVB bulb as Deer Farms has indicated that adding D3 powder to the diet produces the same results as those Uro's reared under a UVB bulb. So, along with the Uro purchase, I plan to buy DF's complete care package which will get met going in providing good care for the Uro.

I haven't decided completely as to which variety of Uro I will buy. The decision will weigh heavily on what's available at DF.

Sorry for the long post; but I appreciate any help given. Thanks!

If you want to use seed as your substrate, use pure white millet (or red millet is probably fine, too). The point of millet is to make it not particularly appealing for them to eat, but have it also not be a problem if they DO eat some. Mixed seeds are more appealing and you don't want them deliberately eating what they've been pooping and walking around in. Mixed seeds also tend to have things that can harm their innards - things too large or too sharp for them to safely swallow.

Do not skip out on the UVB. Dietary D3 supplementation can work with carnivorous reptiles that get much of their D3 through their natural diet. Uros are vegetarian and need to get their D3 through synthesis in the skin via exposure to quality UVB. Do some reading about what products are good quality, too. Other than the sun itself (which is free, of course), good UVB doesn't come cheaply. It needs to be monitored and replaced often. I used to recommend Mega Ray - their products are incredible, but their customer service is ass. Now I would recommend doing a LOT of reading on http://www.uvguide.co.uk/ before making a choice.

As for which type, make sure to go with the smallest (adult size) uro you can, because a 55 gallon isn't very big for a uro. They need MUCH more space than a snake.
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.2 Saharan Uros (Joe, Arthur, and Hitch)
3.0 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, and Tank)
1.0 Ornate Uro (Scuttlebutt)
1.2 Collared Lizards (Ripcord, Thiamine, and Riboflavin)
1.1 Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)