Growth

From UroWiki

Contents 1 Common sizes of uromastyx 1.1 Large 1.2 Medium 1.3 Small 2 Other species 3 How big will my uromastyx get? 3.1 Variation in growth rates 3.1.1 Is the uromastyx captive bred or wild-caught? 3.1.2 Is the enclosure setup correctly? 3.1.3 Is the diet correct? 4 How to measure a Uromastyx

Common sizes of uromastyx

Depending on species, a typical uromastyx may reach anywhere between 25cm (10") and 1 meter (40", or a little more than three feet). Some examples of the uromastyx species most commonly kept as pets by enthusiasts are outlined below.

Large

Egyptian (U. aegyptia):

• Typically up to 76cm (30"); can reach up to 1 meter (40")

Medium

African and Mali (U. acanthinura and U. maliensis):

• Up to 36-41cm (14-16")

Small

Ornate and Ocellated (U. ornata and U. ocellata):

• Up to 25-30cm (10-12")

Other species

Of course there are plenty of other species of uromastyx - the very uncommon armoured uromastyx (U. princeps) and Omani (U. thomasi), to the red-backed or poreless uromastyx (U. benti), the Yemeni (U. philbyi), and the Somali (U. macfadyeni), right to slightly better known variants such as the Indian uromastyx (U. hardwickii). The ones listed above merely illustrate the most commonly-available species and the ones that any potential owner is most likely to purchase.

How big will my uromastyx get?

The size of the uromastyx largely depends on species, although as with any other species, it can vary massively from individual to individual. It is highly recommended to invest is a good digital scale (usually available online for a minimal cost) to keep track of your uromastyx weight. It is a good idea to even create a spreadsheet to keep accurate records and be able to see that your uromastyx is healthy. To the right is an example of a chart that tracks both the weight and full length of a young uromastyx. Notice the dates are recorded, with corresponding weights and lengths. By having an accurate measure you can see how well your uromastyx is growing and how healthy it is as an adult. If you notice consistent decreases in weight, this could be an indication of something being wrong: parasites, temperatures in the enclosure, digestive problems, etc.

Variation in growth rates

There may also be a considerable variation in the growth rates and ultimately the size of each particular uromastyx. This of course depends on several key factors.

Is the uromastyx captive bred or wild-caught?

Wild-caught (WC) uromastyx are known to have problems and while a large adult specimen may seem healthy, there is no guarantee it will stay that way. Young WC specimens are often fed incorrectly by pet stores. Anyone who acquires a pet store uromastyx should make a vet appointment as soon as possible and be sure to have everything properly setup prior to bringing it home.

Captive bred (CB) uromastyx are much healthier, especially when coming from a reputable breeder. Be sure to do your research beforehand and know who the breeder actually is. There are actual breeders who have a solid reputation, and then there are "breeders" that nobody ever really knows who they are and may not really be selling what you think. However, when starting with a CB uromastyx you are ahead of the game and will have a healthy pet.

Is the enclosure setup correctly?

Having the proper-sizedenclosure with the correct thermal gradient, UVB, etc. will ensure your uromastyx will grow at a healthy rate as well as reach a full adult size.

Is the diet correct?

If you are feeding a proper and varied diet, your uromastyx will grow, be healthy and live a great life.

How to measure a Uromastyx

Generally, when considering growth rates and body mass, the measurement used is from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. However, when talking about overall size (such as when planning an or comparing species), it's common to use a measurement from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, which is usually almost double the body measurement.