Uromastyx or?????????

Discussion in 'Uromastyx' started by reptileluver, Feb 25, 2009.

  1. reptileluver

    reptileluver Embryo

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    I have a great cage, I not sure if it is a 40 or 50 gallon, the dimentions are 3 feet long by 16 inches wide by 25 inches tall, anyone know what it is?
    So I need somthing that will fit in that. I thinking either a saharn uromastyx, bearded dragon, or ball python.

    I really want somthing that is colorful and that I can handle a lot.
    Any opoinions or ideas to what I should get???
    I have experince so it doesn't have to be a beginner reptile.
    other animals I've considered are: blue tounged stink, ackie moniter, childrens python, ect.)
    I'm kind leaning toward tthe uro!
     
  2. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  3. bruno

    bruno Moderator

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    Hello,
    Sounds like you have 60/65 gallon there
    May I suggest you lean the other way :D
    Uro's, need a "footprint" of 48"x24" minimum, partly because of the high temps required, baskin spot 130°F and cool end about 85°F, which is extremely difficult to achieve with anything less.
    They will also use every inch of it, they are very active. The other thing, they are a "to be looked at" rather than a cuddley type, they stress very easily.

    Bearded dragon,...possibly, unless it grows really big then a "footprint" of 48x18 is needed.Be prepared to upgrade. Very handlable

    Ackie,... same reasons as uro but plus with the deeper substrate (6") needed for digging.

    Blue tongue,...yes, great size for one. Very handlable.

    Any snake that's no bigger than 5ft (Adult) would fit.
    Rule of thumb, length + width of tank = max size snake.

    Ball python,... would need lots of hides/foilage to make it feel secure, they dont really need large tanks but it could work.

    Hope this helps.
     
  4. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  5. MimC

    MimC Moderator

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    Bruno broke it down really well! I second all of his opinions..

    -Uros arent a real "hands on" lizard - so if you want something you can handle a lot then a Uro is definately not a good idea. The tank is also not big enough.

    -Beardies are a great lizard for handling and interacting with, but that size tank would only last him for the first 6 months (give or take) adults need a 75gallon minimum.

    - Ackies need a MUCH larger tank

    - A childrens python would work

    - An adult ball python would work, for a baby you would probably want to section off the tank and allow it to grow with the snake as they will likely be stressed with much a large tank.

    - A blue tongue would work nicely and are a great "hands on" lizard, they are also a good beginers herp - they are extremely hardy and overall quite easy to care for. Check out www.bluetongueskink.net (might be bluetongueskinks.net i can never remember) for the BEST bluey info out there.

    Hope this helps :-D
     
  6. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  7. reptileluver

    reptileluver Embryo

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    Thanks, I'm still a little confused on if uros are ok with hadling, everyone has a diffrent opionion!
    from my personal experince they have been, But I wouldn't bet on it.
    Also, I am building a shelf inside the cage, so it almost doulbles the size, would I still need a bigger tank?
     
  8. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  9. bruno

    bruno Moderator

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    Uro's are very skittish, shy animals and do not tolerate handling well. If they sit in your hand with their body flattened, it can only mean 3 things, 1) it's cold, 2) it's very stressed, 3) it's sick.
    They must stay in a very warm enviroment, the average room temp is nowhere near hot enough to have them roaming round, unless you keep it about 90°F or above, even their night temps shouldn't drop below the mid 70's.
    The additional shelf will not do much. To get the correct temps in a small tank is impossible, in a 3ft tank you cannot go from 130°F+ down to 85° in the space of 2ft, which is approx what you will have once the heat/UVB lamp is fitted. This is why a 4ft (48") tank is always recommended.

    If you want something to "play" with and really interact with then go for a Bearded Dragon, they are far more sociable than a uro.
     
  10. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  11. Rick78

    Rick78 New Member

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    I agree on the Uros not being handled. Mine will grab onto my hand and I can lift him out but once out he will not hold still and the claws are sharp! He also cools off really fast and then just appears uncomfortable. I rarely handle him and if I do it is just for a short time.
     

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