Uromastyx for Sale

The Nigerian Uromastyx, or spiny-tailed lizard, has a muscular, heavy, spiked tail that it can use to attack potential threats.  These lizards come in a wonderful variety of colors and can even change their coloration based on the temperature of their environment!  They can grow up to 10”-3’ in length and live up to 15-35 years or more depending on the specimen and if cared for properly.  A happy, healthy Nigerian Uromastyx lizard is active, generally alert, has crystal clear eyes, with a rounded, full tail and body, healthy-looking skin, a regular eater, has a clear nose and vent, and shows signs of interest in human activities.  Though keeping the Uromastyx in captivity historically proved to be less successful, today knowledge and care have improved to the point that this reptile will live as long as and even longer than it does in the wild.  Please call ahead to confirm the store location you'd like to visit has Uromastyx for sale available.
  

Uromastyx Diet

These arid lizards are mostly herbivores, with the exception of the occasional cricket or worm, and will eat a variety of food, from vegetables and fruits to seeds such as lentils and certain flowers:  with green vegetation being the main source of nutrition.  Vitamin and calcium supplements are key in keeping your Uromastyx healthy.  Fresh, de-chlorinated water must be provided and readily available.  Young lizards will tend to eat daily while adults will eat 3 to 5 times weekly.  

Uromastyx Habitat

The habitat of the Nigerian Uromastyx should be similar to their natural arid environment and be appropriately sized according to the size of the lizard.  There must also be enough room for exercise and the typical daily behaviors of this reptile.  Be sure to include a hiding place, basking branches or platforms, and a tank heater at one end of the enclosure.  The Uromastyx will also greatly appreciate an underground area for burrowing, rest and relaxation when not basking.  For substrate, calcium-based sand or reptile carpet work well.  The temperatures of the habitat should range between 92-100°F for the warmer side and 68-75°F for the cooler side with less than 50% humidity.  Radiant heat is best with an incandescent bulb for basking and ceramic heater or red/black incandescent lights as primary heat sources.  Uromastyx also need 10-12 hours of exposure to UVB/UVA rays.  Lizards shed their skin on a regular basis, so keep humidity levels well-regulated and provide things that aid in the process of shedding such as sphagnum moss or a shedding box.  This reptile should also be housed separately from other reptiles.

Is the Uromastyx Right for Me?

If you would like a medium-sized reptile that is unique and fun to observe, then this pet may be for you!  Unlike a few other exotic animals, the Nigerian Uromastyx is ideal and readily adaptable to captivity.  Most of the day for the Uromastyx is spent basking in the light or relaxing in a hiding place.  However, it should not be handled very often.  Also keep in mind that any reptile is capable of carrying diseases such as Salmonella, so always washing your hands after touching your pet or any of its habitat items/substances is a must.  For this reason, small children and pregnant women should not handle these pets or their associated items/substances.  While the care requirements for these lizards can be very similar and easy to replicate, they are also recommended for the more experienced reptile keeper and not for beginners.  It may not exactly be cuddly, but the Uromastyx is definitely a cool reptilian companion!

At Uncle Bill’s Pet Center, we not only offer the Nigerian Uromastyx for sale, we also employ a highly trained staff that can assist you in building an appropriate habitat for your new pet, and educate you on the proper care of the animal—making sure you get the most out of your pet ownership adventure!