Egyptians (U. aegyptica aegyptica, and U. a. microlepis) were one of the first Uromastyx species imported into the United States.  Their large size (2 to sometimes almost 3 feet!) and often friendly personality won them many fans.  Importations of the nominate subspecies (U. a. aegyptica) peaked in the late 80's and further importations from Egypt were effectively banned by the early 90's.  The microlepis subspecies is still sporadically imported out of United Arab Emirates but these have become more and more infrequent and are generally composed of hatchlings.  They are a very plainly colored species, being mostly grays to tanish grays with no markings in the adults (hatchlings are often marked with black hash marks and white spots which fade away usually within a year of hatching).  The microlepis subspecies tends to be smaller (2 foot adult size) and brighter (faint yellowish cast with very faint ocellations spread over the back).  Both are hardy species well suited for beginners - PROVIDED you have sufficient space for them and you start out with sub-adults or juveniles or true captive breds.  

An adult pair will need a minimum of a 5' to 6' long, 3' high cage to be comfortable.  Also, please be aware, an angry adult could do serious injury to a careless handler.  Remember this is a species that  lived in the open plains with lions, etc. and thrived!  A strong tail slap from a large adult will leave you bleeding from numerous small pricks while a bite could result in someone needing stitches.  No other Uromastyx species can reasonably be considered dangerous, but an adult untamed or aggressive Egyptian is the exception.  That said, many people swear this is their favorite species - largely for the pleasant  temperament.  Also, as in all Uromastyx, they don't bite without giving obvious warning signs (flatted posture, arched towards the object of their ire, and open mouth hissing (it's extremely hard to miss or mistake their intent).   

We only work with U. a. microlepis "Saudi" strain far as in-house breeding stock but do try to carry both subspecies for resale.  The Saudi strain has the advantage of being truly ocellated in pattern. The juvies often have bright orange spots which still fade with maturity but tend to remain as silver eye spots. While we like them, we can't honestly say their temperament is friendlier than most other Uromastyx species, but they are generally a reasonably tame species.  Availability is sporadic throughout the year, but  we usually have one or two on hand.  Pricing varies by age, sex, and condition of the specimens.   Most juveniles average  around $125 and up, large specimens vary too much to estimate in advance.   Please e-mail or call us (360-435-2679) if you're looking for Egyptians.   We keep a "Wanted" list and fill it as specimens become available.  Please see  "Deer Fern Farms Ordering / Policies" for ordering information

We've placed a photo sampling of the various individuals  we or colleges of ours have or have recently sold so can get a feel for the species' looks.  The current photos listed below are courtesy of John Castellanos.  We'll post additional photos once we get the opportunity to photograph some more individuals.

Breeding Age pair of Adult U. a. aegypticus (Photo by John Castellanos)

Saudi Egyptian yearling

Large Breeding Age Adult U. a. aegypticus (Photo by John Castellanos)

We ship based on the prevailing weather patterns between us and you. Usually we can ship most weeks, but when large storms/severe heat/cold are forecasted, we prefer to hold off.   Please see  "Deer Fern Farms Ordering / Policies" for ordering information.

   

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Email: douglasdix@deerfernfarms.com

Copyright © 1992-2008 by  Douglas Dix. All rights reserved for all photos and text