Tegu help

[8 leg wonder]

got a columbian tugu last week and the problem is that it won't eat like it should, I tried feeding it crix, roaches, pinkies,snails and ground turkey to no avail. Its only eaten 7 or 8 crix and a few bites of turkey in the last 10 days. I,m really starting to worry as it is starting to lose weight and is getting alot of loose skin around the legs. My temps are 80-85 on the cool side with a basking spot of 100+ and my humidity is between 50 and 75%. any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[thedreadedone]

from what i understand, the tegu diet should be half fruit and half animal based.
give it some fruit

 

[8 leg wonder]

argentine tegus yes, Columbians no. I have also tried banana just in case it will take it but it won't. all young/juvinile tegus diet should be primarily protien, argentines will start taking fruit as they start to mature. Red Tegus however must have fruit or they will have shedding problems

 

[Jmadson13]

Colombians are difficult, I've had luck adding a drop of egg for the first few feedings. There are obvious disadvantages to this but it keeps them interested in food. Otherwise it could just be stress, he may not adjust for a couple of weeks atleast

 

[Bigboy]

Here is my advice and believe me it's good stuff. Columbian Tegus aren't big fruit eatters like was said before so you're right on track with your food. Make sure it has a good amount of space to burrow. Your humidity should be in the 90%range in one part of the tank and the lowest should be 70% basking temps for tegu are high believe it or not. We're talking the 130-140range. Ambient temp should never ever never drop below 70. Now, if you're kid isn't eatting make sure it has plenty of hides. It may be stressed. Also check it's mouth for any sign of infection/injury. Look closely at it's eyes. Are they cloudy or alert? Clean water is a flat out must and must always be available to both soak in and to drink from. Is it being housed alone or could it be getting bullied by another Tegu? If all else fails call your local herp society and ask for a vet who can help you out. Good luck.

 

[galeogirl]

Bigboy beat me to it, but my first thought was whether or not you'd tested for parasites or infection. In my experience, healthy tegus rarely miss a meal.