Uromastyx Care

Scientific name: Uromastyx spp.

Natural habitat: northern Africa and Middle East

Adult size: 8-30" (species dependent)

Life span: 15-30+ years

Reptile keeping experience: moderate to advanced

Below are the basics for keeping uromastyx.

Cage: Young uromastyx can be kept in 30" x 12" terrariums or specialty cages.  Adults should be housed in terrariums at least 36" x 18" and two females or a mated pair of lizards can be kept in this size cage.  Floor space is more important than height.   A screen lid should be used on top of the cage.

Accessories: Use thick climbing branches and rocks to provide varying levels, especially in the basking area.  A water dish should be provided.  A thermometer and humidity gauge should be used to monitor cage conditions.

Humidity: Bearded dragons are desert reptiles so no additional humidity is required.  An occasional light misting of warm water will allow the lizards to drink and may aid in shedding.

Substrate: Generally, replicating the substrate found in a species native habitat is best.  Sand mixed with certain soils, bioactive media, and/or clays is ideal.  Substrate should be at least 3" deep.  The use of proper sand WILL NOT cause impaction.  While sand may collect on undigested exoskeletons of food due to improper husbandry, sand is not the cause. Improper husbandry (i.e. insufficient or no UVB, temperatures too low, parasites, etc.) causes impaction.  NOTE: Be sure to use the right type of sand.  Sands from hardware stores or other sources may be silica-based and will mix with water or saliva and become hard.  Even some low-quality brands of reptile sands will do this.  The granules of appropriate sands will not mix like concrete when wet.  Be sure to test any sand you purchase. 

Temperature/Lighting: The ambient cage temperature should be 85-90°F with a basking spot of  95-115°F.  Night temperatures can drop to 75°F.  Uromastyx require UVB to metabolize calcium.  Without UVB, bearded dragons will develop metabolic bone disease and will be unhealthy.  The UVB light should be on 10-14 hours each day and combined with the hot spot.  The lizards must be able to escape the UVB rays.  The basking temperature can be reached with a mercury vapor bulb, ceramic heat emitter, or basking bulb.  You may need to combine your overhead heat source with an under tank heater to reach proper temperatures.  Keep all lights and heat on the same end of the enclosure as this will allow the lizards to thermoregulate.  It is important to create a hot side and cool side in the tank so do not place heating and lighting in the center of the enclosure. 

Diet/Feeding: Uromastyx are omnivorous and it is very important to vary their diet.  The diet should be primarily vegetables and low in protein for adults. Babies and juveniles require higher protein levels.  Provide uromastyx with a mix of dark veggies daily.  Vegetable choices include peas, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, romaine lettuce, carrot tops, beet greens, pea pods, and small amounts of carrots, squash, seeds and other vegetables may be added occasionally for variety.  Canned vegetables or canned uromastyx diets can be used occasionally, as well.

Insect prey items should be appropriately sized and remove any insects not eaten after an hour.  Feed insects no larger than the space between the lizard's eyes.  Baby and juvenile uromastyx should be offered insects daily.  Adult uromastyx may be offered insects 2-3 times each week and can be fed mealworms, superworms, or large crickets.  Other insects including waxworms, zophobas worms, silkworms, butterworms, red worms, and certain species of cockroaches, such as dubia roaches, are great for variety.

A quality vitamin/calcium supplement with vitamin D3 is important.  A sprinkle over the insects or salad every third feeding is sufficient for adults (every other meal for young uromastyx).