A am going to be purchasing a Mali Uromastyx from Craigslist this afternoon. I have never owned a reptile, but I care for them as part of my job... however, I've never been exposed to Uromastyx. I understand their basic needs and feed requirements (as far as type of food), but was wondering if anyone has any good tips on a feeding schedule and exact diet?
I'm pretty knowledgeable about reptile care in general, and am not concerned about his lighting/heating needs... I got those covered! But the reptiles I have been exposed to are insectivores primarily, so this is a change for me.
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There diet is fairly simple to maintain. Spring Mix (in conjunction with other greens, as you don't want to feed too much spinach), collard and turnip greens, and millet seeds are a good base. Parsnips are also a good item to feed (shred them up). Mine will also eat bean sprouts occasionally. They may not eat everyday, especially this time of year, but you need to make sure the food is available daily. You won't need a water dish with your Uro, as they will get water from what they eat, as well as having the ability to actually manufacture water in their gut as part of their digestive process.
Birdseed without sunflower seeds in it is the best substrate. It is edible and dry. Remember, these lizards come from some of the hottest, driest places on Earth.
I know you said you have the lighting and heating down, but I do need to mention that an under tank heater is not good for these guys....the burrow to cool off. You also need a decent hide area, as the will use this, also, as a place to cool off. You can also have a humid hide with a bit of damp play sand in it...but have the humidity as low as possible in the cage, overall.
Since a Uro does not sweat or urinate (only rarely), they snort out excess salt. If you see them panting with a white, crusty buildup around their nostrils, they are expelling salt. Thought I should mention that in case you didn't know.
Best of luck with your Uro. I find them truly fascinating lizards.