Uromastyx care guide
Strict herbivore, very hot basking, very low humidity. Core husbandry follows the same pattern as the bearded dragon — with the differences called out below.
Quick facts
- tempF
- Basking 110–125°F (43–52°C), cool end 80–90°F
- humidity
- Under 30%
- lifespan
- 15–20 years
- adultSize
- 10–18 inches
- diet
- Herbivore: seeds, greens
How to keep a Uromastyx
The daily work — feeding, cleaning, handling and routine — follows the bearded dragon pattern:
- A 4×2×2 ft enclosure is the practical minimum for an adult; floor space matters more than height for this species.
- You need two bulbs: a basking bulb for heat and a UVB tube spanning part of the enclosure. Without UVB, dragons develop metabolic bone disease.
- Feeding: Juveniles eat insects 2–3 times a day; adults get insects 2–3 times a week plus daily greens.
- Spot-clean droppings daily.
- Wipe basking rocks and glass as needed.
- Scoop from the side with both hands supporting the body and legs; never grab the tail.
- Start with short daily sessions of a few minutes and build up.
Life stages
Juvenile (0–8 months)
High insect volume, daily salads introduced early, temperatures and UVB critically important for bone growth.
Sub-adult (8–18 months)
Insect volume drops, greens become the bulk of the diet, growth slows.
Adult (18 months+)
Insects twice a week, daily greens, stable enclosure; females may lay infertile eggs and need a suitable dig box.
Setup checklist
- 4×2×2 ft enclosure with front or top access
- Basking bulb plus ceramic heat emitter if nights are cool
- UVB tube (10.0) with reflector, mounted at correct distance
- Digital thermometers at basking and cool ends
- Basking platform and a hide
- Flat rock or tile substrate for juveniles
- Calcium powder and a gut-loading insect tub
Not veterinary advice. Husbandry guidance only — if your uromastyx is unwell, injured or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.
Guides for Uromastyx
Guides for this pet are in the daily generation queue and appear here automatically.