Egyptian Uromastyx (Uromastyx aegyptia) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Egyptian Uromastyx
Scientific Name	Uromastyx aegyptia
Origin	Egypt, Middle East, North Africa
Adult Size	45–60 cm
Lifespan	15–20 years in captivity
Activity	Diurnal, terrestrial herbivore

Behavior

• Diurnal and highly active during the day; spends time basking.

• Generally calm and can become tame with regular handling.

• Territorial; may show dominance displays with tail whipping or head bobbing.

• Strong burrower; requires deep substrate for digging and shelter.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 150 liters for a single adult; larger preferred

• Substrate: 10–15 cm of sand-soil mix or coconut fiber; allows burrowing

• Decor: Rocks, hides, basking areas, and branches for climbing

• Humidity: 20–40% (arid species; avoid high humidity)

• Temperature:

  • Basking spot: 40–45°C

  • Ambient: 30–35°C

  • Night: 22–26°C

• Lighting: 10–12 hours of full-spectrum light with UVB

• Ventilation: Good airflow; avoid stagnant air

Compatibility

• Best housed singly; territorial and can be aggressive toward conspecifics.

• Avoid cohabiting with smaller or less aggressive species.

Diet

• Strictly herbivorous; feeds on leafy greens, vegetables, and occasional flowers:

  • Dandelion greens, collard greens, mustard greens

  • Hibiscus flowers, nasturtium

• Juveniles: feed daily; adults 4–5× per week

• Provide a shallow water dish; Uromastyx often get most hydration from food

Care Tips

• Provide secure hides and burrows to mimic natural desert environment.

• Maintain high basking temperatures and adequate UVB for calcium metabolism.

• Spot-clean daily; remove feces and uneaten food.

• Offer mineral and calcium supplementation regularly.

• Monitor for signs of dehydration, metabolic bone disease, or lethargy.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females lay 5–20 eggs after a seasonal brumation period.

• Eggs incubate for 60–90 days at 30–32°C.

• Hatchlings are independent and require appropriate sized greens and warmth.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥150 L, deep substrate for burrowing, hides, basking areas

• 🌡️ Temp: Basking 40–45°C / Ambient 30–35°C / Night 22–26°C

• 💧 Humidity: 20–40%

• 🍴 Diet: Herbivorous (leafy greens, vegetables, flowers)

• 🕒 Activity: Diurnal, terrestrial, burrowing

• ⚠️ Stress: Provide secure hides, basking spots, and minimal disturbance

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.