Tegus?

[capsicum]

Just wondering what these guys are like? I am curious as I have read some awesome things about them, but haven't found too many diverse sites (good, bad, ugly etc).
If anyone can let me know what their's is/are like, I would greatly appreciate it.

TK

PS I'm not looking at getting one, but like hearing what others have to say before I allow my interest to get a foothold on me ;)

[DocMan]

They are great...supposedly VERY smart too. I have read that some learn their names and are potty trained!!!!! (litter box =P.)

There are many types....such as Black and White (colombian or argentinian....argentinian being the MOST easily cared for) Red, Blue, and Gold.

The only species I would recommend are Argentinian BW or Reds...otherwise I wouldnt get one:)

The young are MAINLY insectivorious...they also like eggs(hard boiled or not) Just any animal protein really............Then as larger adults mice and still crickets probably roaches easier to feed since they are big

I belive the biggest size reached is around 3-4ft...and rarely 5ft for BW and red...but reds are smaller.

They range in the price of about 100-150 for reds or bw...(thats what I have seen them at) I am in the US!

ANything else just ask me:)

[capsicum]

Thanks Doc :) I am curious, what kind of habitat do they need? Any special needs (such as UVB lights, humidity, etc?)?

Thanks again :D

TK

[PaNdInUs]

Yep.....they are more tropical to my knowledge...a beddin of cypus would do great....humidity wise all I have found was they need a MOIST hide....not wet though.

Yes UVB is must for all lizards I feel...even varanids which some say it isnt:)

Well I'm glad my research has helped SOMEONE! Awhile back I was VERY interested in Tegus...but I never came about to buying one!!!!!!!

Now that I'm in AZ I could build a nice outdoor cage who knows! = O


PS - This is Doc aka Don

[capsicum]

Do you have an idea of the size and type of habitat that they would need?

If we decide down the road to get one, it would be a display animal for our shop, so I would have a custom built habitat.

Thanks again!

TK

[PaNdInUs]

I wouldnt put them in anything less than half there size personally....but thats just me

You could probably put an adult male in an 8x8 possiblY? Not quite sure sorry!

Great choice toO! a jungle habitat with an awesome adlut bw or red tegu would be so cooL!

[Bartman]

Ive seen a black and white columbian housed in a 6x2x2 and they look to have sufficient room. If you have a deep enough substrate of cypruss then they usually burrow so hides are really necessary although some cork bark can add to a display cage.

As for uvb, its arguable for varanids, but ive been told that for tegu's it isnt a must but highly recommended. I could be wrong on that.

When I was working at my local reptile store I had to change the tank of 3 medium sized tegu's. I wore gloves and they dont seem aggressive at all, well some are, but once they realize you're not food, somtimes it takes a bite which isnt that great, but after that they are dog tame :) I was holding them all no problems and only one decided to test my hand out with a bite. The others got all steamed up but no agression really.

Hope I could have been some help :)

[capsicum]

That sounds great. My main idea for the shop is to have some animals on display for sale, and a few larger/different animals on display only. One for sure is a burm, and a second that hubby and I have been thinking about is an iguana or tegu or monitor. The tegu has sounded more interesting to me :)

Does anyone have links for good care sheets? I would greatly appreciate that :)

Thanks again!

TK

[PaNdInUs]

www.bluetegu.com

My favorite site....any ?'s email Ron he is a GREAT guy!

[capsicum]

Thanks, thats an awesome site :D

TK

[Matt_K]

Don, is there a reason why you made another screen name??? Was the one not enough??? In the future.. when you think about making another screen name.. DONT.. It's getting really annoying now..

[Bartman]

Ditto that. I couldnt believe I saw that name again :p

[reptiguy123]

Why did he get banned? I think that he deserves a second chance, because it seemed to me like he was only trying to help in this thread. If he keeps on getting banned, he should at least change his name.

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Hahaha, have you seen some of his posts, reptiguy? LOL. You wouldnt really wanna. He is no longer welcome on this site because of the posts he was making.

Originally posted by Bartman
Ditto that. I couldnt believe I saw that name again:p


Haha! I must agree!

C.

[reptiguy123]

In the varanid forum? I don't quite remember. I would like to see his posts though.

[n8whitie]

The argentine tegus are from a temperate climate. it is similar weather to southern california. There is a breeder who houses all of his tegus outside in Alabama (I believe). His site is www.Agamainternational.com . This site is full of info and very helpful. I have two tegus, they are both 4 months old. The male is very calm and bold and the female is more skiddish but not to bad and with age and growth she will mellow out. These are amazing animals. I put them on my couch and they dont even attempt to run off, they will sit there for hours.

hope this helps a bit. nate