Exotic lizards, also known as spiny-tailed lizards and uros, are good pets for reptile enthusiasts.These lizards need a larger habitat and fresh food daily.You can keep your uromastyx lizard happy and healthy by creating a healthy cage, feeding it properly, and providing general care.
Step 1: You can choose a cage.
The lizards need a temperature increase.They need more room for digging.The uromastyx needs a bigger cage than other lizards of the same size.There are guidelines for less than 10 inch lizard.48 x 18 inch is the cage for the lizard.56 x 24 inch is the cage for a lizard greater than 38 cm.Wood, glass, plastic, and metal are some of the materials that can be used for cages.The cage should be able to handle high temperatures and intense lighting.It costs more to heat glass and metal cages in the long run.
Step 2: Light and heat are provided.
A wide range of temperatures is needed for relaxing and basking.The hot end and cold end can be created in your cage.For the hot end, use hot incandescent basking lights and for the cold end use cooler fluorescent lights.Your lizard needs a UVB light to get the UV rays.You will want to aim for a brightly lit cage with a gradual temperature change.The basking zones should be at least 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) or more.Do not guess the temperature.At the cool and warm ends of the cage, use an accurate thermometer.The UVB light needs to be changed every 6 months.
Step 3: Add something.
The materials that line the bottom of your lizard's cage are referred to as substandard.Natural sand is a common material for uromastyx lizards.Sand is placed on the bottom of the cage.Don't use sand intended for industrial use.millet can be used as a small seed or grain.Sand, wood shavings, paper mulch, and walnut shells can cause gut impaction if swallowed.Before you make a decision, do some research and weigh the pros and cons of each type.It is a good idea to place your lizard's food on a dish.
Step 4: Provide structure.
There should be places to hide, bask, and climb on the floor of your lizard's cage.You can put rocks, branches, and other structures in your lizard's cage.These can be purchased at a pet store.Adding rocks from outside to the cage should be done in boiling water.If you use outside branches, heat them in the oven for 30 minutes to destroy them.Before being added to the cage, rinse store-bought structures in clean water.
Step 5: Provide leafy greens.
The uromastyx lizards eat foods that can be found in the grocery store.Dark leafy greens make up 80% of your lizard's diet.It's a good choice to include: bik choy.There is a village called Chard.The greens are green.There is a spring mix.All greens need to be torn apart.
Step 6: You can offer vegetables.
You can give your lizard a mix of vegetables.This helps to make sure that they are getting all the vitamins they need.Whenever possible use organic produce.Greens should be sprinkled with a calcium supplement.Pumpkin is a good choice.There is a yellow squash.There is a vegetable called Zucchini (chopped or grating).There are sweet potatoes.Carrots are either chopped or grated.Peas.Green beans are cooked.Vegetables can be served raw, but should be washed.
Step 7: Don't eat broccoli and related vegetables.
Broccoli, brussels sprout, cabbage, and cauliflower are included in the vegetable species calledbrassica Oleracea.The vegetables of Brassica Oleracea should not be eaten.This vegetable can cause problems in lizards and other animals.The brassica oleracea group can be served occasionally, but only in limited amounts.You should not feed these vegetables to your lizard in large quantities.
Step 8: Provide insects as a treat.
Most of the lizard's nutrition comes from plants.Only a small portion of your lizard's diet is derived from insects.You can provide insects for an occasional treat.Over-eating insects can cause serious problems for an adult uromastyx lizard.Live insects should be fed.Don't give your lizard insects more than 1-2 times a month.Purchase crickets and give them to your lizard.This will make it easier to avoid over-feeding.You can buy crickets and other insects at your pet store.
Step 9: Feed your lizard a lot.
The lizards can eat as much as they please.Depending on their size, activity level, and appetite, the amount your lizard will eat can vary.Start by giving about 12 cup of greens every day.Slowly scale this back if your lizard is leaving food behind.
Step 10: There is a calcium powder in your lizard's diet.
Calcium protects against bone disease in lizards.Sprinkle a calcium powder on vegetables before feeding your reptile.
Step 11: Provide a small amount of water.
Uros don't need a lot of water because they are used to arid environments.The majority of your lizard's water intake will come from their food.You should mist the inside of their cage at least 1-2 times a day.After one hour, the water should be removed from the cage.
Step 12: Bring your lizard to the vet.
Like most pets, lizards need veterinary care.Bring your new lizard to the vet for a checkup.You should bring your lizard to the vet after this.Your vet will perform blood tests on your lizard to detect health problems before they show up.preventative care is important for good health because lizards will hide any health problems for as long as they can.If you want to introduce new lizards to other lizards in your home, your vet may recommend quarantining them.If you can, take your lizard to a reptile vet.
Step 13: There are health problems to watch for.
The most obvious sign of health problems is how they go to the bathroom.Bring your lizard to the vet if it lasts more than a day.Weight loss is one of the signs to look for.Runny nose, eyes, or mouth.The joints are swollen.The skin is discolored.It's hiding a lot more than usual.
Step 14: The cage needs to be clean and maintained.
The health and happiness of your lizard is dependent on a clean cage.Food scraps and food dishes should be washed each day.The cage should be cleaned 1-2 times a month.Move your lizard to a safer place.Wear gloves that are disposable.Everything should be removed from the cage.Dispose of sand.The bowls should be washed in hot, soapy water.All structures should be washed the same way.It's a good idea to wash the inside of the cage.To clean the cage, use hot water and soap.You could use a hose to do this outside.The sand needs to be replaced.Return the rest of the items to the cage once they are completely dry.Return the lizard to them.
Step 15: Provide stimulation
A cage with rocks, perches, and hollow areas can help keep your lizard entertained.You can serve your lizard food.Keeping your lizard active and happy can be done by hiding their food and providing live prey.Vegetables can be hidden in your lizard's cage.Crickets are an excellent choice for live prey.You can buy these at your local store.