Hi,

I was wondering how one goes about building an enclosure that is safe for uromastyx. I have read use sand, don't use sand due to impaction. Use rocks, don't use rocks as they can fall on the lizard. Use carpet, don't use carpet as they need to dig. Feed they crickets sometimes, don't feed them cricket as its too much protein. I have read care sheets and they don't always agree. They all agree that they need lots of heat and space.

So, what do you think and how has it worked for your Uri?

Also have any of you built your own cages and what are they made of?

Thanks much.

Sheryl

i dont own one but from what ive learned its ok to have sand just have i set up soo theres parts with sand and then part with rocks to give it a mix so theyre not on sand all the time, also i was told that they do great just with veggies...

Making one out of plywood or melamine would be fine. Sand is alright as long as you have the eating area on slate or something away from the sand. Uros tend to toss their food around. Crickets are not necessary for Uros, and definitely too many in the diet is unhealthy.

__________________
Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you."

The problem with sand is that one has to use the correct type of sand to avoid impaction problems. Ordinary builder's (construction) sand, the type found in most hardware stores, is not the type you would use for a Uromastyx enclosure. This type of sand has jagged edges which can interlock with each other, forming clumps when moist. Inside a Uro's gut this can lead to impaction.

The type of sand appropriate to use as a Uromastyx substrate is play sand. Play sand particles are rounded and don't clump as readily, so the risk of impaction is greatly lessened. I've used play sand for years and have never had a problem with impaction.

Rocks can be used in a Uro enclosure but they need to rest on the bottom of the enclosure not on top of the substrate. Also it may be a good idea to use 100% silicone sealant (aquarium sealant) to glue the rocks down and to each other so no shifting can happen, thus avoiding any chance of a uro getting crushed by a rock.

Animal protein (insects) should never be fed to a Uromastyx as a staple diet. Most species of Uromastyx can not properly digest animal protein and can develop renal problems if fed a steady diet of it. You could feed them a couple of insects once a month, as I doubt that would do them any harm, however it really isn't necessary.

I hope this helps.

yea forget to say play sand would be best

thats what i'm using for my enclousure.....
uromystic is right on.
look at uroex's pic on my new enclosure minus half the sand (i think thats what it's calld...) the hides are made of tile, he just puts the basking spot on one and the food dish on the other.... i stole the idea from him and thats what i'm using.

sweet