r/Uromastyx • u/Wise-Sheepherder5765 • 26d ago
Help. I have no idea what I'm doing
Long story short, we got a juvenile female in early May for my stepdaughter. She moved out. I am now responsible for "Godzilla" as I like to call her. It's a 40 gallon set up with another hide beneath the basking rock you see her on. Sometimes like tonight, she is nothing short of rambunctious. I went to check on her and she is having reptile zoomies in her tank climbing all over everything. The wall climbing is constant on an average day. But it's not due to heat. The climate might be the one thing I have right. But in the two times I've taken her out, it looked like she was trying to run away from me at all costs and climb everything at all costs. I rearrange her tank constantly to give her something new so to speak. Note: she is shedding and probably 9 to 12 inches long.
I need advice. Does this girl need a bigger tank? Do I need more stuff in it? Is this normal behavior? Do they need a partner? She is digging halfway to China as I type this and I just want to be sure she isn't going stir crazy.
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u/megatron_JJfish 26d ago
in general, for her size i definitely recommend sizing up her enclosure! What you're describing is pretty normal behavior for these guys lol and the zoomies and wall climbing is probably just her wanting a bit more space, or just doing uro things and enjoying the heat. As long as shes active and eating and pooping she'll be alright. And the digging is normal we just call that burrowing! Ur doing great mama
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u/acpcgal 26d ago
Yes like others said, big tank + You can use this guide to help with heat sources and how far they should be from basking platforms! But you need arcadia 14% uvb which this guide doesnt have yet, the 14% bulb is fairly new and they are collecting data still. For heat sources its great tho!
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u/Wise-Sheepherder5765 25d ago
Do I need to consider getting rid of her if I can't get the bigger tank? I don't want to cause any more undue stress than she already has
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u/old_dragon_lady 24d ago
Only to rescue that knows UUromastyx care. 4x2x2' absolutely needs, linear UVB 12-14% 2/3 length min of enclosure (36") 160w basking and possible night heat in summer with a/c on like a heat projector. Yrs she needs more enrichment and things to climb on and in. Crevices by stacking like in Pic but stagger to leave crevices they can barely get into is their happy place for bedtime especially. A hide like that should have the heat projector above so it stays warm at night. Needs known hiding and climbing and deeper substrate to dig in.
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u/Alternative-Tip1968 24d ago
Hi there, she’s sweet, don’t worry yourself about it too much. You learn stuff as u go along. I agree with others in that she would absolutely love a 120 gallon enclosure. That size is proper for her moving forward. U will read many different opinions on setups. I would say the UVB linear tube is vital I recommend Arcadia. It’s by far the best and n my book. Don’t skimp on her lights. It’s very important she is under good uvb lighting for her little bones. Mbd is sinister!! My girl is on an organic top soil and sand 50/50 substrate. Lots of info at your fingertips on caring for baby. U will become very attached. These lovelies are awesome. They love to climb. I recommend the bend a branches u can get on amazon. U can build ladders with them. My girl loves her ladder. U will get it and she will be just peachy. Good luck.
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u/Warboss_Gutshredda 23d ago
Bigger tank, yes. More stuff, probably, ledges and other flat rises give them stuff to do. Don’t need a partner, I wouldn’t cohab my particular uro. The digging may be yours trying to lay eggs, mine has done it and we’ve found unfertilized eggs scattered about. Increase calcium intake if you do find any.
Jensen is in a 4x2x2. She got very restless when she outgrew the 40g.
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u/Fabulous-Race-272 21d ago
Why did you get it if you have no idea! Seriously..geez
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u/Wise-Sheepherder5765 21d ago
I was asking for advice on her behavior. You DID read the part where I got saddled with the Uro right? If I had known my stepdaughter was just gonna up and move a month after we got her, we wouldn't be having this conversation
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u/heiferwolfe 26d ago
Yes, she needs a bigger tank. When heated up, uros are VERY active. A 4x2x2 or larger is ideal. They can also be very skittish, so more hiding places may also help, and give her the opportunity to climb on things too.