Tegu - Help

[ballpython2]

So I was interested in buying one of these and I did some research.

What I found out is that the most important thing is that NO size tank unless custom made will be able to house an adult tegu that will get 4- 5 ft.

As a baby they mostly eat insects and a pre-killed rodent every now and again.

Then as adults they get the same thing but can also be fed cooked eggs and raw meat such has hamburger, hot dogs, and turkey.

Regular handling from a baby will tame them out however the gold and Columbian Tegus are less docile than the Black and whites.

They need a hot spot of 100 – 110 degrees. Regular temperature outside of the hotspot is 80 degrees.

Life span is up to 12 years

And of course they need a water dish large enough to soak in/drink from.

If am missing anything or yall have something to add I’d love to hear it thanks

For all the help in advance.

 

[clam1991]

wash your hands before handling

if you smell like food when you go to pick it up you'll be holding your hand with a lizard under water for 15 mins atleast

and feed it away from where it stays or it may associate people with food
ie if it sees you everytime it gets food

 

[tarandrew]

So I was interested in buying one of these and I did some research.

What I found out is that the most important thing is that NO size tank unless custom made will be able to house an adult tegu that will get 4- 5 ft.

As a baby they mostly eat insects and a pre-killed rodent every now and again.

Then as adults they get the same thing but can also be fed cooked eggs and raw meat such has hamburger, hot dogs, and turkey.

Regular handling from a baby will tame them out however the gold and Columbian Tegus are less docile than the Black and whites.

They need a hot spot of 100 – 110 degrees. Regular temperature outside of the hotspot is 80 degrees.

Life span is up to 12 years

And of course they need a water dish large enough to soak in/drink from.

If am missing anything or yall have something to add I’d love to hear it thanks

For all the help in advance.

IMO:
Hot dogs aren't goon for people, let alone Tegus

Ground turkey, mice, grapes and various other fruits/vegetables are best for Tegus

Those basking temperatures seem a little high, so aim for about 95 degrees.

Life span can be around 20 years I believe.

 

[ballpython2]

thanks both of you for the responses.

 

[clam1991]

and you need a uv light and calcium supplement or they'll get bone disease
and as they get older you dont have to feed them as much protein because they wont grow much more
so when it gets closer to 4-5 feet give it some fruits

 

[P. Novak]

These are rewarding and very smart lizards to own, if you have the time for them. Don't get a tegu if you don't have time to put into it. After starting college full time and working full time I am forced to get rid of mine because of that reason. They just don't act the same after being around you alot and then going to a few min everyday. Tegus come pretty close to dogs IMO.

 

[bamato]

I agree on this one with Paul. Tegu's need lots of attention. And when they don't get it in my experience they get very fussy and not so fun to be around.

And I would not under any circumstances ever feed ANY animal hot dogs....

 

[ballpython2]

I agree on this one with Paul. Tegu's need lots of attention. And when they don't get it in my experience they get very fussy and not so fun to be around.

And I would not under any circumstances ever feed ANY animal hot dogs....

Ok thanks for these responses.


If I live in a two bedroom apartment alone can I just let him roam the house as long as I keep him supervised and away from my other reptiles?

Also is a closet big enough to house an adult b/w white tegu?

Here is a picture of the closet. Obviously I’m going to take all the clothes out.

Since the top shelf is not solid and it has spaces between each bar I’ll have to change it to a solid piece of wood. Then at the top of the closet I can put in flood lights.

Would this closet be fine? Any more ideas? I basically have a whole room to use for the Tegu if I get it.

So yall let me know something. Thanks

 

[crpy]

I dont know about the closet but dirty socks have been known to send Tegus into convulsions.;P

 

[ballpython2]

I dont know about the closet but dirty socks have been known to send Tegus into convulsions.;P

Ok keep it up imma buy you a matchin outfit for your "girlfriend"'s dog lol..

 

[crpy]

Ok keep it up imma buy you a matchin outfit for your "girlfriend"'s dog lol..

You would do that for me....sniff sniff....I love you man