Spiny Tailed Agamids (Uromastyx)
Distribution :-Found south west Asia to north west Africa.
Size :-These reptiles can grow 40 - 45cm (15 - 18 inches).
Diet :-Many Spiny Tailed Agamids in the wild are mainly herbivores a diet of leaves, flowers and fruit. Diet should be altered according to age rather than size. Up to 2 years old should have a diet consisting of 80% green plant matter and 20% vegetation. Over 2 years old should have a diet consisting of 95% green plant matter and 5% vegetation.
Plant Matter:- Turnip greens, celery leaves, dandelion, collards, radish, endive, green mustard, kohlrabi, watercress, Chinese leaves, fresh grass, romaine lettuce, coriander and chives.
Protein:- Romaine lettuce, legumes, chick peas, soya, Quorn, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, mung-bean sprouts, alfalfa, spinach and tofu.
Fibre:- Mixed grain or wholemeal bread and natural bran cereal all dampened with water.
Fruit and vegetables:- Mixed vegetables, sweet potatoes, orange, blackberries, figs, tangerine, water melon, apples, strawberries, grapes, kiwi, papaya, prickly pear, kumquats, leeks and pears.
N.B. Beets, celery stalk, Swiss chard and spinach contain oxalic acid, which reacts with calcium and forms an insoluble salt, calcium oxalate that decreases the availability of calcium in the diet. Although high in calcium, these should be used less frequently and in smaller amounts (once a fortnight). Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, bok-choi, kale and brussel sprouts should be fed in very small amounts, i.e. once a month. These foods bind with iodine which may eventually lead to goitre, a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. This does not mean that these foods cannot be used at all, just in moderation.
Heat source:- This can be either reflector (spot) lights in green, red or blue, ceramics or tubular heaters.
Wire mesh guards:- These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent thermal burns.
Thermostat:- An essential part of any vivarium and is required to regulate the internal temperatures within the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
Thermometers:- One should be placed each end of the vivarium in order to give an accurate reading of the temperatures within the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as these are often inaccurate.
UV light source:- Reptisun 5.0UVB or Arcadia D3 lamp. These should be left on for 8 - 12 hours a day and replaced every 12 months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer.
Housing:- This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with a glass frontage and adequate ventilation. A vivarium measuring 1 meter (36 inches) in length by 60cm (24 inches) deep by 45cm (18 inches) high is sufficient for a single animal. However, males are notoriously aggressive and should not be kept with other males. Hatchlings should be kept in a smaller container which can be housed in their future vivarium.
Hides:- These are essential to prevent stress and to allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots etc. all make excellent hides.
Temperatures :-A basking area of 31 - 32°C (88 - 90°F) is required at one end of the vivarium. A background temperature ranging from 24 - 30°C (75 - 86°F) is also required. Night time drop should be about 25 - 26°C (77 - 79°F).
Longevity :-If kept under the right conditions and given the correct diet can live between 8 and 12 years with some exceeding this.
Substrate :-Substrate can be sand (about 5cm (2 inches) in depth). Spiny tailed agamids like to dig burrows, if you are unable to give a deep substrate then allow plenty of hides. Whatever you use, remember that it must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent contamination from disease.
Water :-These animals require a water container which will allow them to bathe without constriction. This water should be changed daily as this is also the water they drink from.
Salmonella :-Many reptiles carry the naturally forming bacteria Salmonella. It must be stated however that salmonella bacteria can only be contracted by ingestion (via the mouth). Good hygiene is therefore very important when keeping any animal. Remember, you are just as likely to contract salmonella from your Sunday lunch, cream cake or dog so don't automatically assume that your agamid is the only suspect!
This information is given as the opinion of Proteus Reptile Trust only.
Revised: March, 2001.
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