Tegus

Kiljosh · 02-10-12, 02:36 PM

So this is for the future, probably pretty distant for now.

I know I want a large lizard. I also am aware they are expensive to feed and not an easy animal to raise properly. I have been trying to decide between Savs and Tegus. Both seem very smart with personalities. But I have decided that when the time comes and I can build a proper enclosure I'll end up getting a Tegu. The colors(or lack of) on the Black and White's really are a bonus to me.

I have read they are more resilient to colder temperatures as opposed to Savs, which is a big bonus because I intend to live somewhere with 4 seasons, not 2(hot and warm). I have also read they are omnivores, but am not sure of what this means exactly. I obviously know it means veggies and meat are in it's diet but I am looking for information on what is safe to feed, what is recommended to feed, and what I need to do to make this creature grow strong when I get him. Can I feed them Dubia? What about mealworms/beetles? If I am going to get a bug eater I am definitely going to start a feeder colony, but only of the perfect food for him/her. Dubia don't bother me, but I think the woman would want the worms/beetles over roaches in our house any day of the week.

If anyone who has a Tegu can point me to a site like this one, with helpful members who are knowledgeable and have enough brain's to carry on normal conversations involving punctuation, capitalization, and proper grammar(mostly haha) I'd appreciate it. Also any personal advice is appreciated, don't sugarcoat anything I won't run away.

Thanks Ssnakess

BarelyBreathing · 02-10-12, 03:35 PM

I have two tegus, and Argentine black and white and a Colombian black and white. They are a lot more hardy than any monitor, really, and a lot less specialized in diet than savannah monitors. I highly recommend tegus for keepers who have a little knowledge of reptiles under their belts.

Tegu Talk used to be a great site, but unfortunately, it seems that they couldn't pay their bills.

Most species of tegus eat a bit of fruit. Their main diet should consist of whole prey items. Roaches are great, so are crickets, earth worms, rodents, chicks, snails, crayfish, silversides, etc. Just be sure what you are feeding them is fresh and organic.

If there's anything more specific you're looking for, just ask.

Kiljosh · 02-10-12, 03:44 PM

Any recommendations on where to get a healthy baby for someone who lives in the Northeast. I feel bad shipping animals, I'd rather pick one up on my own.

BarelyBreathing · 02-10-12, 03:53 PM

I'm not really familiar with breeders in your area. I got mine at a local reptile store that's extremely reputable. I suppose just keep your eyes open. Check Kingsnake. They may have some in your area.

Gungirl · 02-10-12, 03:55 PM

I have found a lot of reptile breeders through facebook, post up and maybe someone you are friends with knows someone that knows someone. That is how I have contacted several people about different things.

Trent · 02-10-12, 05:18 PM

The red tegus are very nice as well!

beardeds4life · 02-10-12, 11:09 PM

^^^^^^^agreed!

Rogue628 · 02-10-12, 11:26 PM

The boyfriend and I have decided that once we move and get settled, a tegu is a lizard we both want to start out with. Like you, I found similar information about their husbandry and diet. They seem to be a bit more forgiving of noob lizard keepers and that was a huge plus for us. I'd hate to get an animal that's a bit delicate and I have no experience with and it get sick or worse, die.

Hopefully we'll be moved by the time the ban is in effect and be able to get one before the end of the year.

beardeds4life · 02-11-12, 09:52 AM

the ban? what ban?

Skumbo · 02-16-12, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beardeds4life

the ban? what ban?

I don't know of any

Rogue628 · 02-16-12, 06:07 PM

The ban on my burms. I've got to get moved before it goes into effect next month or ship them to the boyfriend's mom and step dad and hope they'll follow my instructions on care. His mom's afraid of snakes, but his step dad knows a little. He's just never been around burms. Still I don't like leaving my animals in anyone's care. I'm really OCD about every little thing about them lol

Strutter769 · 02-16-12, 06:37 PM

Does anyone have an adult red tegu to post a picture of? I've only seen babies.

**millertime89** · 02-16-12, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue628

The ban on my burms. I've got to get moved before it goes into effect next month or ship them to the boyfriend's mom and step dad and hope they'll follow my instructions on care. His mom's afraid of snakes, but his step dad knows a little. He's just never been around burms. Still I don't like leaving my animals in anyone's care. I'm really OCD about every little thing about them lol

when were you PLANNING on moving? You've got more time than you think. I'll explain more in the ban thread.

Rogue628 · 02-16-12, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

when were you PLANNING on moving? You've got more time than you think. I'll explain more in the ban thread.

Trying to move in the middle of next month. Moving from La to Ok.

Skumbo · 02-17-12, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue628

The ban on my burms. I've got to get moved before it goes into effect next month or ship them to the boyfriend's mom and step dad and hope they'll follow my instructions on care. His mom's afraid of snakes, but his step dad knows a little. He's just never been around burms. Still I don't like leaving my animals in anyone's care. I'm really OCD about every little thing about them lol

OH, sorry.. new to the forum still, don't know who has what lol.. I thought you meant a tegu ban since this was in a tegu thread!