This is a quick guideline for Saharan (U.geyri) Omani (U.thomasi)I and Ornate (u.ornata) Uromastyx as these are the species I work with.

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Housing Hatchlings

When it comes to captive bred Hatchling Uromastyx I have found keeping things simple is the way to go. A simple set up allows the animal to be easily observed, makes clean up a breeze and allows for interaction. My typical enclosure for the first 18 months is an open top tub. (I individually house all my Uromastyx) Brands like rubbermaid, sterilite, etc make many options and I look for one averaging 24 in x 24 in x 10 in. As uromastyx grow, a tub upgrade is as simple as a trip to the store for a larger tub. Substrate is paper towel for ease of clean up with egg crate set in stacks to offer basking sites and multiple hide areas. These are light weight and allow stacking without fear of a hatchling being crushed underneath if they shift, sadly a not uncommon issue with heavy objects in reptile enclosures. They are also easy to replace as needed. Lighting for heat and UV are needed and I use a conventional spot basking bulb for heat and T5 florescent for UV. The basking temperature of 120f directly under the bulb at the basking site with the cooler part of the enclosure in the mid 70’s during the day is the goal with a nighttime low in the 70s. Evening heat isn’t necessary for Uromastyx unless your home dips below 62-65F at night. For UV I found Arcadia brand 14.0 a nice option offering solid UV output for up to 12 months. (All UV fluorescent bulbs loose UV over time. They should be replaced every 8-12 months even if they are still producing light) Lighting varies from 14 hours daily in the spring/summer months to as low as 10 hours in the fall/winter season. 

Housing sub adult/adults

When it’s time to move into a larger permanent home I set my sub adults and adults up in 4 ft x2 ft x2 ft enclosures. I offer 1 inch river rock for substrate, multiple hides and basking areas and options to climb throughout. This is fun stuff! You can get creative to make a home both keeper and kept will enjoy. The basking area under the spot bulb is again set at 120f and both it and the UV lighting are on the same lighting schedule of 14 hours daily in the spring/summer with a reduction to as low as 10 hours in the fall/winter months. You can and should offer full sun to your Uromastyx whenever safe to do so. Many keepers will even set up outdoor enclosures to offer full sun as weather allows.

Diet

Uromastyx are primarily herbivores though on occasion (monthly) mine are offered insects, most often grasshoppers or super worms. In times past an often debated topic I have found the species here that I work with thrive and “look” better  having a monthly crunchy bug buffet offered. 

Fresh veggies include Endive, Dandelion Greens, Belgian Endive, Escarole, Collared Greens, Treviso, Raddichio, Green Leaf Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Kale, Watercress, Arugula, Baby Bok Choy, Mustard Greens, Cilantro Butternut Squash, Acorn Squash, Peas, Carrots, Green Beans, Lentils (both dry and sprouted) Spine-less Cactus Pads. 

Dried options on occasion include dried flower and “grassland” mixes developed for tortoises as well as hay (Timothy, Teff, Bermuda) lentils (red, green, yellow)

Some outdoor options to grow as food include Hollyhock, Nasturtiums, Phlox, Dandelion leaves and flowers, Alfalfa, Grape Leaves, Grass, Honeysuckle, Vine-weed (leaves and flowers), and Squash flowers.

Greens and plants can be chopped up or grated and placed in a shallow food bowl or paper plate. All of the above listed should be offered in rotation as a varied diet makes for a happy Uromastyx! 

Supplementation

With the above varied diet and access to UV, I offer only calcium carbonate on occasion. I place it in the enclosure and allow them to eat it as they please. Some ignore all together, some snack on it daily.

Seasonal changes

Winter cooling (often called hibernation or burmation) is the reduction in activity exhibited by these lizards during the Fall, Winter, and very early spring seasons. Uromastyx of almost all ages go through this natural cycle every year. While it’s easy to identify and understand, the sudden change in behavior can be understandably worrisome for new owners. Reduced activity, appetite, and bowel movements resemble what we often think of as red flags for a problem. Within Uromastyx this is a natural and safe change. Very often at the first significant drop in temperature in Fall Uromastyx will slow down substantially. They often reduce their amount of daily basking activity, feed less (sometimes not feeding at all for weeks), and defecate less. Some animals stop coming out entirely and stay hidden for months. Losing some amount of belly weight is completely normal and shouldn’t be cause for alarm. If your animal is losing weight in the legs and tail that should be taken as a sign that something is wrong and a vet visit may be in order. Usually by late January or early February almost all of my animals are back out basking and ramping up for the coming Spring. Some seem to be on their own internal schedule, not slowing down at all while others go under for months. Others are active all Winter only to slow down during the peak of Spring for 6-8 weeks. Each animal is unique and if your Uromastyx doesn’t slow at all that is also normal! Every one is an individual and after a season or two you should have a handle on the changes throughout the year and rest easy when and if it occurs. 

Enrichment 

Reptiles need and should be offered enrichment beyond the food bowl. If possible make things like feeding “fun.” Place food a different spot whenever you feed, hide food so they need to go look for it, offer a special treat off a pair of tongs making them “work” for it, change up the furniture in the enclosure, time outside etc. These and many more options should be used to keep things fun and enjoyable.

With proper care a Uromastyx will be a companion for decades with some of the longest known examples in captivity in excess of 30 years! Starting out with a captive bred hatchling will have you well on the way and with the above outline you should be set to enjoy them for years to come.