They are kept in 4 foot by 2 foot by 2 foot metal stock tanks with a washed sand substrate. However it is unclear as to whether these bulbs provide adequate UVB radiation to stimulate vitamin D3 production which is needed for calcium absorption, therefore a supplement is added to the food at least once per week. Since they are a temperate species, an annual photoperiod cycle of 14 hours daylight during summer and 10 hours during the winter is provided. Only one male is maintained per enclosure. More than one female can be kept together, however they often show aggressive behavior towards other females, as well as males, so the animals must be monitored for signs of stress.
Aggression is particularly evident during the breeding season and while females are gravid.
Weight loss or bite marks along the sides of the lizards indicate antagonistic behavior and the animals should be separated. Ornate spiny-tailed lizards are omnivorous, meaning they eat primarily plant matter and some insects. Probably their diet is dependent upon the season with more herbaceous matter being consumed following the limited rainfall, whereas seeds may be more available at other times of the year. In captivity the majority of calories are provided by peas, alfalfa, green beans, lentils, corn, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, bird seed, and the greens from collard, mustard , turnip, and dandelions. Superworms, crickets and waxworms are fed once or twice per week.