Padma is home!
So, I've already asked on another forum, I will not say the name, and didn't get too many answers, so I'm seeking the assistance of all you lovely individuals, as I know you're just as helpful, if not more so, and more abundant member wise.
I need some trust building tips that you all may have to offer. I'll tell you about her history. As far as what has been told to me, she was initially bought at an expo by a family who did not handle her often and fed her live(so she has a thing for any sizable prey item that moves, including cats, which I take precautions on). As such, she's not terribly used to being handled, but she has never bitten anyone. At any rate, then this young couple, I assume, had seen the many popular tegu videos on youtube and thought it was really awesome how puppy tame and affectionate they were(the first thing they told us is she's not the tegu you see on youtube and they aren't what they had expected, they thought she would be affectionate seeking and tamer). They found Padma, and adopted her from the family that bought her at the expo... Well... then they realized Padma was not the tegu that they saw in the youtube videos, and, thus, the process begins again. This time she has found us, and we're determined to be her forever home. She's only 2 years old. I've, by far, been handling her every day for a little while. She eats every other day, per what her schedule was previously. What are some other trust building methods, if any, besides daily handling?
My other question was regarding dietary items. Now, I have read a few lists, one of which was on said forum, and I couldn't help notice I didn't see any mentioning of pomegranates. Are they bad? Good? Too acidic? Another thing, is I go fishing in the spring in summer months. I LOVE fishing. I know they can eat fish, and the common fish species we get in our local fishing spot is trout, bluegills, channel catfish, and bass. Mostly bluegills, though. Would bluegills be safe for tegu consumption? How about the others? I think, that, if they are, she would really love some fresh fish.
I'll post some pics. You'll notice she has a scratch on her nose. We noticed this shortly after bringing her home. Someone on the other place said it may of been where she rubbed her nose against the walls of her tank in the previous home where it was so small. If you all remember she was in a small tank maybe double her length with a thin layer of cypress mulch, a large heat mat to hide under, and a dog bowl for water. She now loves nothing more than to burrow under her small pond(ofcourse, unearthing it and dumping out all the water every time).