Yellow Nigerian Uromastyx Overview

There are several things to consider when obtaining a Yellow Nigerian Uromastyx lizard. First off, find out the eventual adult size of the species you are getting. Attempt to determine the genuine source and history of the lizard, including whether it is captive-bred, imported recently, or imported long enough ago to be acclimated to captivity.

All other things being equal, captive-bred animals are more likely to be free from parasites, accustomed to a captive diet and the constraints of a cage, and less frightened by typical household activities. Genuine, captive-bred uros are normally only available as hatchlings.

Yellow Nigerian Uromastyx Size

Most adult uromastyx are between 10 and 18 inches in length, the primary exception being the Egyptian uromastyx, which can exceed 30 inches in length. Hatchlings can measure a mere 3 to 4 inches in length.

Uromastyx Life Span

It’s difficult to estimate normal life span of uromastyx lizards in captivity because until recently most of the information available was from imported lizards that started their captive life at an unknown age.

Maximum longevity records exceed 30 years, but it appears 15 years is more typical. Data indicates that U. Aegyptius, the largest of the genus, also has the longest life span. Field studies show that hatchling uromastyx grow to full size in about 4 years in the wild.

Yellow Nigerian Uromastyx  Caging

The uro’s need for large temperature gradients and its active grazing and digging lifestyle requires relatively large caging. A wide variety of cage styles are used successfully.

Keepers often build their own from wood or melamine or purchase large aquaria, commercially made plastic cages or even metal cattle troughs. The cage should be strong enough to hold the appropriate substrate and furnishings, equipped to safely handle high temperatures and intense lighting needs, and offer adequate ventilation.

I suggest the following rough guideline for minimum cage sizes for keeping a single adult uromastyx lizard. No matter what the dimensions are, without a proper temperature gradient the cage is inadequate.

Lizard under 10 inches – 3 feet by 1 foot
10 to 15 inches – 4 feet by 1 ½ feet
More than 15 inches – 6 feet by 2 feet

Your choice of lighting, heating and lid style will dictate the minimum height necessary.

Bigger is always better. A larger cage is much more forgiving of temperature mistakes and other potential problems.

Uromastyx Lighting and Temperature

Yellow Nigerian Uromastyx are normally only active during daylight hours. The opportunity to thermoregulate, or adjust their body temperature, is critical to their health. A cool Yellow Nigerian Uromastyx lizard typically has a darker, drab coloration, which absorbs the radiant solar heat more quickly.

As the uromastyx basks in morning sunlight, its body temperature will rise to the high levels it needs for activity and digestion, and its colors will lighten and brighten dramatically.

It must periodically seek shade to avoid overheating. Uromastyx burrows can be several feet deep and may maintain a temperature as much as 30 degrees lower than the surface, with higher humidity levels as well.

Bright, hot lighting is necessary to stimulate normal uromastyx feeding and digestion. Generally, the goal is to have a very brightly lit cage with a gradual temperature gradient from approximately 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and basking zones of 120 degrees or more.