- Sexing. Some types of uromastyx are sexually dimorphic. This means that males and females have unique features making them easy to tell apart.
- Mating. Mating should occur in a neutral tank or the females home. ...
- Brumation. Brumation is a period where a lizard will sleep a lot and eats very little. It often occurs during cold weather.
- Egg Laying. Once a female uromastyx becomes pregnant, it will be 4 to 6 weeks until she lays her eggs. ...
- Egg Storage. You should carefully uncover the uromastyx eggs and place them in a plastic container. Do not rotate or change the position of the eggs while moving them.
- Incubation. The easiest way to incubate eggs is to use a commercial incubator. Styrofoam incubators are inexpensive and work fairly well.
- Egg Hatching. A baby uromastyx will open an egg with an egg tooth. ...
- Babies. Baby uromastyx can be kept together and have similar requirements as adults. One difference is you probably shouldn’t use sand as a substrate.
How to tell the sex of Uromastyx?
This is a surefire method to tell the sex of uromastyx. You can also place a flashlight behind the tail and shine some light through it. With males, you will see its hemipenes on both sides of the tail, while in females – you won’t.
What does a uromastyx lizard look like?
Male Uromastyx tend to have more vibrant and pigmented colors than female Uromastyx. Virtually all Uromastyx will have a base color that is predominantly grey or brown with Like other lizards, a Uromastyx can change in color depending on its temperature as well as stress level. How big do Uromastyx get? Did you know?
What is the difference between male and female ornate Uromastyx?
Ornate uromastyx also display big differences in colors between males and females. Male ornates develop much more coloration, while in females, the colors are more faint. You will see more turquoise coloration in males, as well as more colors on the belly, which will be nude in females. Same applies to u. ornata philbyi.
How can I tell if my Uromastyx has hemipenes?
Uromastyx have 2 hemipenes, which can be seen on both sides of the tail. To use this method, you need to put your uromastyx on the table and lift its tail gently from the back. Lift the tail up at a 45 degree angle or so, and look at both sides of the tail base.
What does a male uromastyx look like?
2:196:03Males vs Females of 3 Types of Uromastyx! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you can tell the who the male is cuz he's got the brighter colors. He's got a more very lightMoreBut you can tell the who the male is cuz he's got the brighter colors. He's got a more very light tan color lots of black spotting. And actually he doesn't have a very bright belly eat it.
Do female uromastyx lay eggs?
If the breading is successful and the female becomes gravid, she will lay her eggs in 4-6 weeks. Uromastyx mating can be violent and is not for weak of heart. Once your female Uromastyx becomes gravid (Pregnant) , or you suspect she is gravid, I advise you move her cadge mate to there own separate enclosure.
Can you keep 2 uromastyx together?
While it is possible to house two or few uromastyx together, it's not the best thing to do. No more than 1 male per tank is crucial, but even females might not get along. While housing uromastyx together can work, always be ready to separate them if needed. Uromastyx don't need companions or cage mates to be happy.
Can you breed a red and yellow uromastyx together?
Breeding uromastyx Only breed the same species, as maintaining bloodlines is crucial – do not mix different species. Babies of mixed species might not survive and might develop serious health issues.
How many babies can a uromastyx have?
Eggs and Incubation A clutch of ornate uromastyx eggs typically numbers anywhere between four and 20 eggs. You'll know once the female has laid her eggs because she'll be noticeably thinner immediately afterward. I offer unflavored Pedialyte to females after they have laid their eggs to rehydrate them.
How can you tell the age of uromastyx?
A: Currently there is no way to determine exactly how old a Uromastyx is. It can be guessed by their size but this isn't accurate because they grow at different rates. This also hinders us in knowing how long they can live.
How do you know if your uromastyx is happy?
Most uromastyx will not bite, but will hiss instead. When your uromastyx hisses, it shows you that it's very unhappy and wants you to let it go.
Do uromastyx bites hurt?
Most uromastyx won't bite. Even if extremely agitated, most will warn you first by striking with a tail, hissing or opening the mouth. Baby bites don't hurt at all, while adults – can hurt to some extent. However, uromastyx are very friendly and rarely bite.
Can uromastyx drop their tail?
The iconic spiny tail has between 10 and 30 rows of spiked scales on top of the tail. This lizard is not capable of “dropping” its tail. These lizards generally live for 15-20 years and reach adult size by four years old.
Why is my uromastyx face white?
To help conserve water in their dry habitats, Uromastyx have a special gland near their noses that excretes mineral salts. It is therefore not surprising to see occasional white, crusty deposits around their nostrils. If husbandry requirements are met, these friendly, herbivorous lizards make rewarding pets.
Is it hard to breed uromastyx?
Mali uromastyx generally must be longer than 10 inches and more than 5¼ ounces to breed successfully. This takes about three years in captivity. Although they often breed communally in the wild, they do best if kept as true pairs year round in captivity. Determining sex is tricky at first.
How do I soak my uromastyx?
1:158:29How to Bathe a Uromastyx (Spiny Tailed Lizard) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipType you should only put them in water it then only if a specialist recommends it and the reason whyMoreType you should only put them in water it then only if a specialist recommends it and the reason why is because it can cause tail rot from all of that water and stuck in the crevices.
Do uromastyx do well in pairs?
Most species of Uromastyx can be housed in pairs or small harems. They are known to live in small groups in the wild, as living in groups helps them secure regular access to food by defending a certain territory.
Can you keep bearded dragons and uromastyx together?
No I would not recommend housing these species together at all, different diets for one thing. Beardie can eat a wide variety of salad which isnt the same as the ones uromastyx eat. Beardies also enjoy their livefood whereas it is not recommended to feed uromastyx livefood very often as it can lead to liver problems.
Are uromastyx good for beginners?
There are several species of uromastyx, or spiny-tailed lizards, that make good beginner pets. These lizards are native to Africa, the Middle East, and India, and they enjoy handling.
What size tank do you need for a uromastyx?
Juvenile Uromastyx need a minimum 20 gallon terrarium. Juveniles can be housed together in a 30 gallon terrarium. Adult Uromastyx need a minimum 40+ gallon terrarium. Provide plenty of hiding and basking places.
What color is a male Uromastyx?
Virtually all Uromastyx will have a base color that is predominantly grey or brown with. Like other lizards, a Uromastyx can change in color depending on its temperature as well as stress level.
How big do Uromastyx get?
On average, Uromastyx grow to be between 10 and 18 inches in length. However, the largest species of Uromastyx, the Egyptian, can exceed 3 feet in length. Typically, males tend to be longer than females with an average length of 15 inches. Females average in length 13 inches.
What is the hardest part of a uromastyx enclosure?
Often times the hardest component to get right in a Uromastyx enclosure is the very high heat! By using a mesh lid and domed reptile lamp, you’ll best be able to concentrate high levels of heat over a basking spot.
How big of a tank does a uromastyx need?
Uromastyx Tank Size. For babies and juveniles, you can get away with a mere 20 gallon tank (often referred to as “20 gallon breeder”). However, a full grown Uromastyx will need much more space! Ultimately, your pet will appreciate as much space as you can provide them!
How long do uromastyx live?
Uromastyx Lifespan. With proper care, you can expect your Uromastyx to live up to 15 years ! However, some have been known to live over 20 years as well. The problem with measuring lifespan is that very little research has been conducted on Uromastyx in the wild, especially within recent years.
How many species of Uromastyx are there?
This makes them fairly adaptable and easy pets to care for. It is believed there are currently 15 species of Uromastyx, all of which require very similar care.
Why do Uromastyx have special glands?
Uromastyx live in areas with extremely high temperatures and as such, have developed special glands hear their nose to limit water loss. Whereas you or I might lose all of our water through sweat, the Uromastyx’s special gland secrets mineral salts instead of water.
What is a uromastyx?
Uromastyx are truly amazing and interesting lizards. They make great pet lizards, but owners often have a lot of questions about their behaviors. In this post, you will find a lot of different uromastyx behavior, their reasons and meanings. Why do uromastyx wiggle, glass dance, hiss, dig, lick things, rub themselves against various objects, ...
What does it mean when your uromastyx hisses?
When your uromastyx hisses, it shows you that it’s very unhappy and wants you to let it go. Hissing can be followed by tail arching, body tilting and a ‘crocodile roll’. All of them would mean that your uromastyx is not happy with your actions.
Why does my uromastyx hiss?
Uromastyx hissing – reason and meaning. Uromastyx hiss when they are unhappy about something you are doing. You might see your uromastyx hiss when you are trying to handle it. Most uromastyx will not bite, but will hiss instead. When your uromastyx hisses, it shows you that it’s very unhappy and wants you to let it go.
Why are my uromastyx flattening out?
This helps them absorb more heat quicker. It’s also a common behavior when uromastyx are cold. There is a bigger chance that you will see a uromastyx flattening out in winter, or after waking up to warm up faster. Dull colors are also an indication that your uromastyx is cold.
How to help uromastyx shed?
This is normal behavior. You can help your uromastyx with shedding by rubbing its head, tail and toes with your fingers. Make sure to check there is no stuck pieces of skin after shedding has finished.
Why do uromastyx puff up?
In the wild, they sometimes puff up and hide to make it harder for predators to take them out, and to make themselves look bigger. If you would like to learn more about uromastyx behavior, bonding and taming, please read this guide.
How much substrate do uromastyx need?
Please have some loose substrate at least on one side of the tank, so that your uromastyx can dig and burrow. 5-10 inches (12.7-25cm) of substrate is minimum to allow digging.
Moroccan Uromastyx
Some individuals have a pattern in the middle of the red and yellow phases.
Egyptian Uromastyx
The Egyptian Uromastyx ( U. aegyptia) can be found in Egypt, but also Libya, Palestine and Israel. Unfortunately these lizards are now listed as vulnerable in these countries due to habitat loss and exportation. In the 1990s Egypt exported more Uromastyx than any other country in the world.
Yellow Uromastyx
A Yellow Uromastyx can be either the yellow phase Saharan species or the yellow Moroccan species.
Red Uromastyx
A Red Uromastyx can be either the red phase Saharan species or the red Moroccan species.
Ocellated Uromastyx
The Ocellated species ( U. ocellatus) is one of the smallest uromastyx lizards reaching just 12 inches long. They can be found throughout Egypt and Sudan in gray with a series of orange or white spots. These spots travel all along their backs and spiny tail.
Sudanese uromastyx
Sudanese Uromastyx ( U. dispar) are another small species that can be found in Algeria, Chad, Mali and Sudan. They can reach about 14 inches in length and are known to be able to live up to 25 years.
About Nigel Robert
Nigel is a lifelong reptile lover and has kept pet lizards since childhood. His first was a pet Leo which was shortly followed by a Beardie named, Rocky. For the last 10 years he has kept over 20 different species but his favorite is his Banana Ball Python, Monty.
How big is a uromastyx?
Average Size. The ornate uromastyx lizard is a medium-sized reptile. The size of a lull-grown adult is usually somewhere between 12 to 15 inches long from the nose to the tip of the tail. They aren’t the biggest lizards in the herpetology world, making them pretty accessible to those who don’t have a ton of space.
How many fingers does a uromastyx have?
Like many other desert-dwelling lizards, the ornate uromastyx has clawed feet with five distinct fingers on each. The interesting part of this lizard is the head. It’s not pointed or triangular like most lizards. Instead, it’s rounded and somewhat stubby (some even say it looks like a turtle).
How big should a uromastyx enclosure be?
Generally, an enclosure size of 40-gallon tank will be just fine for ornate uromastyx. But if you want to go one step further, go for a three-sided enclosure. At the very minimum, the enclosure should measure about 48 inches long by 24 inches wide. The height can be about 24 inches as well.
What is an ornate uromastyx?
The ornate uromastyx ( U. ornata) is one of approximately 20 or so uromastyx species. This lizard belongs to the old-world lizard family Agamidae. It’s a rare species that you don’t see very often in the pet trade. These beautiful lizards hail from the deserts of Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
What is the purpose of a basking lamp for a uromastyx?
On one side, you should have your basking lamp. Place it outside of the enclosure to prevent burns.
How long does it take for a uromastyx to acclimate?
When you first bring an ornate uromastyx home, you must give it time to acclimate. For wild-caught lizards, this can take up to six months! Expert Tip: During this time, you should not handle the lizard except for when it’s necessary. Stress can make the lizard avoid meals and eventually get sick.
How long do uromastyx live?
The life expectancy of a captive ornate uromastyx is a lot better than it used to be! Where it stands today, the average lifespan for this lizard in captivity is about 12 to 20 years. The exact lifespan of wild specimens is still unknown.
How to tell if uromastyx is infected?
Signs that your uromastyx has a parasitic infection is weight loss ( or being already skinny when you get it), runny or smelly poop, blood in the poop, poop with lots of undigested food. If a vet confirms the infection, worming will be necessary, but that will disturb its healthy gut flora.
How to know if your uromastyx is sick?
Signs that uromastyx is sick. This uromastyx is skinny – you must always deal with issues quickly to prevent complications and even death. Weight loss – please weigh your uromastyx once in 2 weeks – parasites, body wasting, MBD, impaction. Lethargy (unless it’s brumating or generally not being active)
Why does my uromastyx have tail rot?
Tail rot is often caused when uromastyx is kept in a tank with high humidity. If you soak or spray your uromastyx, you must always dry it properly before returning to the tank. Make sure to always keep your uromastyx in dry conditions and have ideal temperatures in the tank.
Why is uromastyx parasitic?
While normal parasite load is normal in uromastyx, a high parasitic load causes health issues and complications. Uromastyx might develop a higher parasitic load due to poor living conditions, stress. It can also happen from living with other infected uromastyx.
What to do if your uromastyx is suffering from MBD?
If you get a uromastyx that seems to be suffering from MBD, make sure to take it to the vet immediately. Blood tests and other examinations will tell you whether your uromastyx is suffering from MBD. If a situation is severe, injections might be necessary to save an animal.
Why is my uromastyx dehydrated?
Uromastyx might become dehydrated due to stress, being shipped for long periods of time, high temperatures in the tank and lack of moisture in the diet.
How to tell if you have MBD?
Signs of MBD include swollen limbs, deformed back or limbs, inability to move legs, soft or hanging jaw (severe MBD). First signs are lethargy and no interest in moving around, as well as shaking. Many skinny uromastyx can also be suffering from MBD.
