uromastyx

[OceanLyons]

I give my uromastyxs a small water bowl periodically. I place it at the far end of the tank away from the light. I have seen them drink for quite some time from the bowl.

 

[DoubleZ]

I've recently come into possession of two uros ( one mali and one egyptian), recently as in this afternoon. They use to belong to a neighbor who is off to college. I've babysat them before but have a few questions on specifics. Their previous owner fed them mostly dried fruit and gave them a half hour soak once a week. During their soak they would happily dunk their heads and lap at the water, even swim a bit. They're pretty calm when being handled, though the male is a little bit more shy and will squirm at first till he calms down. I plan on introducing fresh veggies to their diet. Anything tips?

 

[DoubleZ]

The whole handling thing is sort of a myth. If you go on repticzone's uro forum most people will tell you to hold your uro rarely. They may be docile( mine isnt lol) but they do not like handling. To much can stress them. As for price...******** is over charging. At the shows i see them for 40 to 60 bucks.

The two I now own actually enjoy being pet. They close their eyes and relax.

 

[leolover2]

The two I now own actually enjoy being pet. They close their eyes and relax.

They don't "enjoy" it, they just tolerate it. Feeding veggies is a very good idea. A mix of fruit and veggies is also good. The soaking is a very bad idea. Its to much water and they will develop scale rot. good luck with your new uros.

 

[DoubleZ]

They took a bit of time to try it, but once they did they loved their bok choy. I haven't given them any more baths. They are a bit wary of new foods but I'm slowly expanding their diet. They female is much more receptive than the male, he's a bit smaller and shyer. They're beautiful animals and I'd love any tips on how to keep them healthy and happy. Also, I'm use to my leos which only take about an hour tops to shed, any info on uro shedding?

 

[leolover2]

Uros will take more time shedding. Unlike leos they shed in little pieces. If you ever need uro related tips, pointers, and/or questions just pm me :main_yes: .

 

[skyline]

He looks fine to me, Mine gets saggy sides sometimes. although i didnt know that they could get dehidrated the breeder i bought mine from told me that they didnt need water bowls mine has'nt had one for the past 5 years and he seemd to be doing fine.

 

[Morph]

there are plenty of other uromastyx here in AZ. the reason they're so expensive there i think is because they are a different type of uromastyx, i dont remember their Mali's being that expensive. they also have egyptian and saharan uro's (i think these were the expensive ones at AZ rept. center) pets inc. also carries them along with predator reptiles and reptiles & reef.

 

[bugkrazy]

conans two favorite veggies are mustard and collard greens he also loves acorn squash i give him a few grapes and carrots ocassionally but bok choy is not a good choice for them it can lead to many problems

 

[leolover2]

conans two favorite veggies are mustard and collard greens he also loves acorn squash i give him a few grapes and carrots ocassionally but bok choy is not a good choice for them it can lead to many problems

Your diet is good but were did you hear that bok choi is bad? It's very good for them and there is nothing wrong with it. I have heard that spinach has some problems but never bok choi.

 

[bugkrazy]

Bok choy

Also known as or equivalent to Chinese cabbage, bok choi, pak choi, and various other names. High in goitrogens. Cut green portion into large pieces or strips. White portion may be discarded or finely chopped.
Ca 2.8:1, Pro: 1.5%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 95%, Fiber: 1%
OCCASIONAL DIET
Goitrogens are foods which suppress thyroid function. In normals, goitrogens can induce hypothyroidism and goiter. In hypos, goitrogens can further depress thyroidal function and stimulate the growth of the thyroid (goiter).
Therefore the consumption of goitrogens is not a good strategy.

 

[bugkrazy]

HERE IS A FOOD CHART I FOUND BUT CAN'T REMEMBER THE SITE IT WAS ON I PRINTED IT OFF AND FORGOT TO PUT IN MY FAVORITES

Information
Ca - Calciumhosphorus, Pro - Protein

Acorn squash
Good source of fiber. Rind should be discarded. Core and finely chop or shred.
Ca 0.9:1 , Pro: 0.8%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 88%, Fiber: 1.5%
STAPLE VEGGIE

Apples
Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 0.6:1 , Pro: 0.15%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 84.5%, Fiber: 1.9%
OCCASIONAL

Asparagus
Very good source of protein. Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 0.38:1 , Pro: 2.3%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.1%
OCCASIONAL

Bananas
Only on occasion. Peels may also be fed, but only if they were organically grown.
Ca 0.3:1 , Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.5%, Water: 75%, Fiber: 2.4%
OCCASIONAL

Beets & beet greens
High in oxalates, so it should only be fed occasionally. Beets should be finely chopped. Greens are best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Stems should be finely chopped or discarded.
Beets: Ca 0.4:1 , Pro: 1.6%, Fat: 0.17%, Water: 87%, Fiber: 2.8%
Beet greens: Ca 3:1 , Pro: 1.8%, Fat: 0.06%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 3.7%
OCCASIONAL

Bell peppers
Great for adding color and variety. This catagory includes red peppers, green peppers and other bell peppers. Should be cored and then finely chopped or shredded. (Nutritional information based on red peppers, but most other bell peppers are reasonably close to the same.)
Ca 0.5:1 , Pro: 0.9%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2%
GREAT TASTE/COLOR ENHANCER

Blackberries
Great for treats and regular part of fruit content.
Ca 1.5:1, Pro: 0.7%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 86%, Fiber: 5.3%
OCCASIONAL

Bok choy
Also known as or equivalent to Chinese cabbage, bok choi, pak choi, and various other names. High in goitrogens. Cut green portion into large pieces or strips. White portion may be discarded or finely chopped.
Ca 2.8:1, Pro: 1.5%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 95%, Fiber: 1%
OCCASIONAL

Broccoli
High in oxalates and goitrogens and should only be fed on occasion. Cut into very small pieces or shred. Leaves can also be offered.
Ca 0.7:1 , Pro: 3%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 91%, Fiber: 3%
OCCASIONAL

Brussels Sprouts
High in goitrogens and should only be fed on occasion. Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 0.6:1 , Pro: 3.3%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 86%, Fiber: 3.8%
OCCASIONAL

Butternut squash
Very good staple vegetable and excellent source of fiber. Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 0.6:1, Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 94%
STAPLE VEGGIE

Cabbage
High in goitrogens and should only be fed on occasion. Finely chop or shred.
Ca 2:1 , Pro: 1.5%, Fat: 0.27%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.3%
OCCASIONAL

Cactus leaves (prickly pear)
High in calcium. Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 2.32:1, Pro: 0.8%, Fat: 0.5%
STAPLE FRUIT

Cantelope
Should be cored, rinds discarded and finely chopped. Great source of additional water content.
Ca 0.7:1, Pro: 0.9%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 0.8%
OCCASIONAL

Carrots
Should be peeled and finely shredded. (Carrot tops can be high in oxalates and should only be fed on occasion.)
Ca 0.6:1, Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 88%, Fiber: 3%
OCCASIONAL

Cauliflower
High in goitrogens and should only be fed occasionally. Should be finely chopped and shredded.
Ca 1:2, Pro: 2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.5%
OCCASIONAL

Celery
Should be very finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 1.6:1 , Pro: 0.75%, Fat: 0.14%, Water: 95%, Fiber: 1.7%
OCCASIONAL

Chicory greens
(Escarole)
Excellent choice for greens and high in calcium. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca 1:0.9, Pro: 1.7%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 4%
STAPLE GREEN (WHEN MIXED WITH OTHER GREENS)

Collard greens
Excellent choice for greens. High in calcium and somewhat high in goitrogrens. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca 14.5:1 , Pro: 2.5%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 91%, Fiber: 3.6%
STAPLE GREEN

Coriander (cilantro)
Good choice for an occasional green. High in oxalates. Finely chop.
Ca 1.4:1 , Pro: 2.1%, Fat: 0.5%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.8%
OCCASIONAL

Corn
Extremely low in calcium and high in phosphorus. Use sparingly and only if overall diet is loaded with calcium. Best if finely chopped.
Ca 0.03:1 , Pro: 9.4%, Fat: 4.7%, Water: 10.4%
RARELY OR NEVER

Cucumber
Lacks in nutrition, but okay on occasion for additional water and flavor.
Ca 0.7:1 , Pro: 0.7%, Fat: 0.18%, Water: 96%, Fiber: 0.8%
OCCASIONAL

Dahlia
Both flowers and leaves are okay to feed. Use caution and do not use plants that may have been treated with any pesticides or other chemicals.
GREAT TREAT

Dandelion greens
Excellent choice for greens and high in calcium. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag. Use caution when using wild dandelion greens by making sure no pesticides or other chemicals have been used. Both the flowers and leaves are okay to feed.
Ca 2.8:1, Pro: 2.7%, Fat: 0.7%, Water: 86%, Fiber: 3.5%
STAPLE GREEN

Endive
Excellent choice for greens and high in calcium. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca 1.86:1, Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.4%
STAPLE GREEN (WHEN MIXED WITH OTHER GREENS)

Grapes
High in oxalates. Should be crushed or chopped. Adult iguanas can eat whole grapes. Good source for additional water content.
Ca 0.8:1, Pro: 0.7%, Fat: 0.6%, Water: 81%, Fiber: 1%
OCCASIONAL AND/OR TREAT

Green beans
Also known as snap beans. Good choice for staple vegetable. Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 1:1 , Pro: 1.8%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 3.4%
STAPLE VEGGIE

Hibiscus
Both flowers and leaves are okay to feed. Use caution and do not use plants that may have been treated with any pesticides or other chemicals.
GREAT TREAT

Honeydew melon
Should be cored, rinds discarded and finely chopped.
Ca 0.6:1 , Pro: 0.5%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 0.6%
OCCASIONAL

Kabocha squash
Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 0.6:1 , Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.9%
STAPLE VEGGIE

Kale
High in oxalates and goitrogens, so it should only be fed on occassion. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca 2.4:1, Pro: 3.3%, Fat: 0.7%, Water: 84%, Fiber: 2%
OCCASIONAL

Kiwi fruit
Should be peeled, seeds removed, and finely chopped or crushed.
Ca 0.7:1, Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.4%
OCCASIONAL

Lentils
Best if cooked and finely chopped.
Ca 0.14:1 , Pro: 9%, Fat: 0.5%, Water: 67%, Fiber: 22%
OCCASIONAL

Lettuces
Lettuces are very poor in overall nutritional value.
Romaine - Ca 0.8:1 , Pro: 1.6%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 95%, Fiber: 1.7%
Iceberg - Ca 1:1 , Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 96%, Fiber: 1.4%
Loose leaf - Ca 0.4:1 , Pro: 1.3%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.9%
RARELY OR NEVER

Mango
Should be peeled, pitted, and finely chopped or crushed.
Ca 0.9:1, Pro: 0.5%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 82%, Fiber: 1.8%
STAPLE FRUIT

Mushrooms
Very high in phosphorus and should only be fed on occasion. Should be finely chopped.
Ca 0.05:1 , Pro: 2.9%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 1.2%
OCCASIONAL

Mustard greens
Excellent choice for greens. High in calcium, but somewhat high in goitrogens. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca 2.4:1, Pro: 2.7%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 91%, Fiber: 3.3%
STAPLE GREEN

Nasturtiums
Both flowers and leaves are okay to feed. Use caution and do not use plants that may have been treated with any pesticides or other chemicals.
GREAT TREAT

Okra
Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 1.3:1, Pro: 2%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 3.2%
STAPLE VEGGIE

Papaya
Good source of fiber. Should be peeled, seeds removed and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 4.8:1, Pro: 0.6%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 89%, Fiber: 1.8%
STAPLE FRUIT

Parsley
Good source of calcium. Finely chop.
Ca 2.4:1 , Pro: 3%, Fat: 0.8%, Water: 88%, Fiber: 3.3%
OCCASIONAL

Parsnip
Should be peeled and shredded. Very good source of fiber and carbohydrates.
Ca 1:2, Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 80%, Fiber: 4.9%
STAPLE VEGGIE

Peaches
High goitrogens. Should be peeled, pits removed and finely chopped.
Ca 0.4:1, Pro: 0.7%, Fat: 0.09%, Water: 88%, Fiber: 2%
OCCASIONAL

Pears
High in oxalates. Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped.
Ca 1:1, Pro: 0.4%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 84%, Fiber: 2.4%
OCCASIONAL

Pumpkin
Rind should be discarded. Core and finely chop or shred.
Ca 0.5:1 , Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 0.5%
OCCASIONAL

Raspberries
Excellent source of extra fiber content. Should be crushed for smaller iguanas. Larger iguanas can be fed whole rasberries.
Ca 1.8:1, Pro: 0.9%, Fat: 0.6%, Water: 87%, Fiber: 6.8%
OCCASIONAL AND/OR TREAT

Rutabaga
Should be peeled and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 0.8:1 , Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 2.5%
OCCASIONAL

Snap peas
Should be finely chopped.
Ca 0.1:1, Pro: 0.8%, Fat: 0.04%
STAPLE VEGGIE

Spaghetti squash
Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 0.6:1 , Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.9%
OCCASIONAL

Spinach
High in calcium, but very high in oxalates and goitrogens, so it should only be fed occasionally. Should be finely chopped.
Ca 2:1, Pro: 2.9%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.7%
OCCASIONAL

Strawberries
High in oxalates and goitrogens. Remove stems and caps and finely chop.
Ca 0.7:1, Pro: 0.6%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.3%
OCCASIONAL AND/OR TREAT

Sweet potato
Should be peeled and very finely shredded. Fairly high in phosphorus, so best used as a substitute for other orange veggies occasionally.
Ca 0.8:1, Pro: 1.7%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 73%, Fiber: 3%
OCCASIONAL

Swiss chard
Very high in oxalates and should only be fed occasionally. Should be finely chopped.
Ca 1.8:1, Pro: 0.2%, Fat: 0.1%
OCCASIONAL

Tomatoes
High in oxalates. Should be finely chopped. Great for adding color to a mixture of food. Can be acidic and some iguanas may not like the taste.
Ca 0.2:1, Pro: 0.9%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.1%
COLOR/TASTE ENHANCER

Turnip greens
Decent choice for greens. Very high in calcium, although somewhat high in goitrogens. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca 4.5:1, Pro: 1.5%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 91%, Fiber: 3.2%
STAPLE GREEN (WHEN MIXED WITH OTHER GREENS)

Watercress
Excellent choice for greens and very high in calcium. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca 2:1, Pro: 2%, Fat: 0%
STAPLE GREEN

Watermelon
Very little nutrition, but an excellent source for additional water content. Remove rinds and cut or crush into small pieces.
Ca 0.9:1, Pro: 0.6%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 0.5%
OCCASIONAL

Yellow squash
Should be very finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 0.57:1, Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.9%
OCCASIONAL

Yucca root (Cassava)
Very tough. Should be peeled and finely shredded.
Ca 1:1.7, Pro: 1.36%, Fat: 0.28%, Water: 59.7%, Fiber: 1.8%
STAPLE VEGGIE

Zucchini
Should be very finely chopped or shredded.
Ca 0.47:1, Pro: 1.1%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 95%, Fiber: 1.2%
OCCASIONAL

 

[DoubleZ]

This list should be really helpful. One of my uros eats anything but the male is picky.