Uromastyx
A sun-loving desert lizard that thrives on heat and greens. They do best when you provide intense basking temps and very low humidity.
scientificName
Uromastyx spp.
careLevel
Intermediate
adultSize
25 to 45 cm
enclosure
120×60 cm floor space minimum
temperature
Basking 45 to 50C; ambient 27 to 32C
humidity
20 to 30%
diet
Herbivore: leafy greens, seeds in moderation
lifespan
15 to 25 years
handling
Often shy; handle minimally at first
lighting
High-output UVB + strong basking
weeklyMaintenance
Spot-clean 2 to 3x/week; deeper clean weekly
Best for
- Owners who want a fascinating, low-noise pet
- People who enjoy building and optimizing habitats
- Homes that can commit to heat and UVB equipment
- Keepers who prefer routine-based animal care
Not ideal for
- People who want a cuddly, high-contact pet
- Anyone unwilling to manage heat, humidity, and lighting
- Homes without space for an adult-sized enclosure
- Impulse buyers without a vet plan
Temperament
- Often becomes calmer with consistent, gentle routines
- May be skittish early on in a new environment
- Does best with predictable feeding and minimal stress
Daily routine
feeding: Feed according to species and age; remove leftovers to prevent pests.
heatLighting: Verify basking temps and UVB schedule daily.
check: Look for normal posture, clear eyes, and healthy skin/shed.
enrichment: Provide hides, climbing, and safe digging depending on the species.
Living fit
smallHome: Possible for small species; large lizards need serious space.
kids: Okay with supervision; handling should be species-appropriate and calm.
firstTimeOwner: Bearded dragons and some skinks can work; monitors/iguanas/tegus are advanced.
Health notes
- UVB and calcium balance are critical for many lizards; set up correctly from day one.
- Incorrect temperatures often cause appetite, digestion, and immune issues.
- Dirty or overly damp substrates can lead to skin problems.
Cost and time
time: Moderate; daily checks plus weekly habitat work.
cost: Moderate to high due to heat, UVB, and enclosure size.
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