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looking to find out as much about tegu's before i buy one.....

P

phillyroc

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i am about to buy a tegu and need to find out more....

are they tame????

how big will it get?????

what size cage 1st and what size for adults?????


what type of diet??????

what is the best species for a 1st timer?????

and any other help would be much appreciated....


thanks


rocco
 
tegus in general are pretty easy to take care of pets. the closest other animal i can relate the care to is a savanah monitor as for species if you hold them often they'll be laid back if you dont then well it'll be a nightmare my view of the tegu i'd actually start out with a savanna monitor before a tegu their better for a beginner.
 
Advice from someone with a slew of Tegus..

I have to disagree about Savs being a better first time larger lizard. Tegus seem to be much more forgiving of husbandry mistakes than the Savs are. They tame very easily and don't necessarily have to be handled alot to be docile. I have adult Tegus that were handled not more than a few times a month that are wonderful animals and used for educational presentations. They just naturally seem to calm down as they gain size and age.
There are a couple of drawbacks to keeping Tegus. They may choose to hibernate for months in the wintertime which makes them a pretty poor excuse of a pet. The also eat enormous amounts of food....be prepared to stock a freezer FULL of rodents. To me, their amiable personalities and stunning appearance makes it more than worthwhile to keep a bunch around. :)
 

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phillyroc said:
i am about to buy a tegu and need to find out more....

GOOD FOR YOU :)

are they tame????

MOST ARE---TRY TO AVOID COLUMBIANS AND BUY FROM A GOOD BREEDER

how big will it get?????

DEPENDS ON THE BREED AND BLOODLINE--MOST BW'S GET ABOUT 4'

what size cage 1st and what size for adults?????

DEPENDS ON ROAMING TIME---EACH DAY? YOU CAN GET BY WITH A SMALLER CAGE. WEEKLY? GO LARGER--IT'S UNFAIR NOT TO LET THEM HAVE ROOM TO WALK.


what type of diet??????
WHOLE PREY---SOME FRUIT AND VEGGIES--- MEAT SCRAPS. MOSTLY WHOLE PREY AS STAPLES FOR A HEALTHY LIZARD

what is the best species for a 1st timer?????

I WOULD GO WITH A BW OR A RED
Click to expand...
 
Rocco!.....just remember....they get quite large and need a rather large cage/room when they reach full size....so pe prepared!
Also! avoid columbians, stick with argentines or reds as previously noted.

Mine is already out growing this!
 

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Tegus make awesome pets. Though they are one of my favorite reptiles so I guess I am a little biased. :p

If you have any specific question you can feel free to contact me and I will try to help.

For taming help see my post from weeks ago (right below this one at the moment)

Rick
<a href="http://theTegu.com">theTegu.com</a>
 
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