Uromastyx maliensis
General info:
Uromastyx can be long-lived pets if maintained properly. It is estimated that their lifespan can reach more than 50 years. These unique desert lizards are quickly becoming one of the most sought after reptiles among hobbyists.
Size: Adult length up to 16".
Temperature/Humidity:
Ideal daytime temperature for uromastyx should range between 75 and 90 degrees. Additionally, a basking lamp should be used to maintain a local temperature of 115 to 125 degrees. Night time temperature should remain between 68 and 75 degrees. The humidity for these desert lizards should be kept very low.
Lighting:
All uromastyx require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Ultraviolet lighting is recommended for 12 hours per day. The use of a timer will help maintain an accurate lighting schedule.
Feeding/Watering:
Mali uromastyx are mainly vegetarian (eat only plant matter). Therefore their diet should include vegetables, fruit, and grains. Suggested foods: dark, leafy greens (mustard, collard, radish, and greens or tops, kale, dandelion leaves-stems-flowers, bok-choy, non-treated backyard grasses and weeds, clover), legumes, mulberry and grape leaves, roses, hibiscus, nasturtiums, carnation flowers, cured alfalfa and timothy hay, soaked alfalfa pellets, thawed frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, lima beans, carrots, green beans), peas in the pod, cauliflower, soy bean sprouts, jicama, radishes, summer and winter squashes, grapes, apples, oranges, pear, prickly pear fruit, peaches, plums, nectarines, dates, all types of melons, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. When feeding fruits & vegetables, use four vegetables to every fruit per meal. It may be best to only offer fruits in every third or fourth feeding. Red fruits are great for shy eaters as reptiles are naturally attracted to the color red. Crickets can be offered as a dietary about once a week. Feeding uromastyx every day is suggested as well as dusting food with vitamin/calcium powder every other feeding. Always remove food four hours after it is offered to prevent spoilage. Additionally, uromastyx benefit greatly when bird seed (finch or parakeet mix) is sprinkled over every other meal. This aids in digestion.
Habitat/Housing:
Individual uromastyx can be maintained in a 35 to 50 gallon terrarium. A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. Uromastyx are best kept singularly. However, for multiple pets, increase habitat size accordingly to ensure each uromastyx has plenty of space to move about and not interfere with tankmates. An undertank heater should be placed on the same end of the tank as the basking lamp. A shelter for hiding is necessary, especially if multiple pets are in the same enclosure.
Substrate (Bedding):
2" to 3" inches of Repti-Sand is recommended for uromastyx to encourage their natural burrowing instinct.
Responsible pet ownership begins on the trip home!For the best health and well being of your pet, it is important to remember to take it directly home. If you have more shopping or errands to complete, consider picking up your pet last. This will ensure the animal encounters the least amount of stress possible. Have the new terrarium completely set up before bringing your new friend "home&home". Additionally, make sure your new family member is allowed enough time to adjust to its new home. Wait three or four days before attempting to handle your pet and always supervise children when they interact with pets.
