Write an article based on this "Select a cage. Provide light and heat. Add a substrate. Provide structures."
Uromastyx lizards require significant temperature gradients. They also need room for active grazing and digging. For these reasons, the uromastyx needs a larger cage than other lizards of a similar size. Here are some guidelines: Less than 10 inch lizard (25.5 cm) = 36 x 12 inch (91 x 30.5 cm) cage. 10-15 inch lizard (25.5-38 cm) = 48 x 18 inch (122 x 48 cm) cage. Greater than 15 inch (38 cm) lizard = 56 x 24 inch (142 x 61 cm) cage. Cages can be made of wood, melamine, glass, plastic, or metal. The important thing is for the cage to be able to handle high temperatures and intense lighting. Glass and metal cages lose heat more easily, so they may cost more to heat in the long run. Uromastyx lizards need a pretty wide range of temperatures for relaxing and basking. This can be accomplished by creating a "hot end" and a "cold end" in your cage. Use hot incandescent basking lights (for the hot end) and cooler fluorescent lights (for the cold end). You'll also need to provide a UVB light so your lizard gets UV rays. You will want to aim for a brightly lit cage with a gradual temperature gradient ranging from 80-100 degrees F (26.5-38 C). You'll also want basking zones of 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) or more. Do not guess about temperatures. Use an accurate thermometer at both the cool and warm ends of the cage. Change out the UVB light every 6 months. The term "substrate" refers to the materials that line the bottom of your lizard's cage. One common substrate for uromastyx lizards is natural sand. Place 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of sand on the bottom of the cage. Look for "washed play sand," and avoid any sand intended for sandblasting or industrial use. You can also try using a small seed or grain, such as millet. Some substrates, including sand, wood shavings, paper mulch, and walnut shells, can cause gut impaction if swallowed. Before you decide on a substrate, do research and weigh the pros and cons of each kind. Place your lizard's food on a dish to avoid ingestion of substrate. Most of the floor of your lizard's cage should be occupied by places to hide, bask, and climb. Add rocks, branches, and other structures to your lizard's cage. These can be purchased at a pet store or collected outside. If you use rocks from outside, sterilize them in boiling water before adding them to the cage. If you use outside branches, heat them in the oven at 250 degrees F (121 degrees C) for 30 minutes to sterilize them. Even store-bought structures should be rinsed in clean water before being added to the cage.