Hi guys, thinking about getting a uromastyx. Anyone have one? What kind? How are their personalities? Will the desert temps they need run you out of the room? I have always loved the looks of them - they look like they are eat up with personality!
I don't have one but want one.... I know quite a lot about them however.
They need less then 20% humidity and for some species require up to 120 in the basking spot.
The Nigerians have caught my eye because of their red and yellow colors. WHile the ornates are extremely pretty as well. The Mali's are the easiest to keep though.
I have had ornates, Nigerians and Malis....all of which I had for over 6 years. I have one mali at the moment that has been with me for over 5 years....he was given to me by a breeder because he wouldn't grow and he was missing both feet and part of the lower leg on one leg.
They can be quite calm or quite feisty...individual personalities....like all animals.
I have brumated them but never completely hibernated them so I never got good eggs.
Some of the species need no water provided for them, but I found that the Nigerians did.
The cages were always set up with hides at both ends. The lights/heat were always kept at one end. I provided fresh greens ( dandelions, kale, collards, endive, escarole, mustard greens, etc.), veggies (carrots, squash, zucchini, sweet red pepper, sweet potato, etc.) and a small amount of fruit (apples, pears, melon, berries). When they are brumating, I offered them dry lentils and provided a water dish and offered them none of the greens, veggies or fruit. They should be treated as complete vegetarians IMHO.
i had a mali for two years and ended up trading him for a beardie. i loved him and really liked his personality. he was my "little john malkovich" he was a bit skitish and would retreat to the hide whenever i entered the room. i had him in a 75g tank with a nice thick sand bed and a MV lamp on him. had bask spot of 105 F.
like mentioned before. no water. they get hydration from eating all the greens and veggies. i offered mine hulled millet as well and he would eat it once in a while.
I have a pair of Mali Uro's. They are super friendly, veggie eaters, plus bird seed and split peas. I keep my 2 on calf starter, that way instead of washing gravel, I toss the calf starter out for the deers and start over.
i always keep my guys at least 100, usually closer to 110, Same uvb lights as a chameleon. babies are the cutest thing you have ever seen. Mine will breed soon so I will post baby pictures in about 3 months.
if you have the money get an ornate. they are awesome. but you cant go wrong with common mali. they are usually around 50-80$ depending on source, maybe even cheaper.