Advice

[psychocircus91]

Hi guys. Now that my tegu is really up from hibernation and eating, he is pretty wary of me. I know about the taming tips, and to be patient, but I do have a question.

I would like to start giving him baths to aid in his skin health, and to "potty train," but I know it's bad to force handle. Should I pick him up to bring him to the bathroom or no?

 

[TeguBuzz]

Force handling can usually push you back a few steps in the taming process.

How does he react to you when you open his enclosure?
Does he bolt away if you attempt to pet him or touch him?
Does he stand ground and arch up or charge at you?

If he doesn't do any of the above and seems calm, I'd attempt handling. How long have you had him? If he does do any of the above, I'd wait a little - but that's just me. He shouldn't really need a bath if humidity is correct - but I can see how you want to "potty train" him and all.

 

[psychocircus91]

Force handling can usually push you back a few steps in the taming process.

How does he react to you when you open his enclosure?
Does he bolt away if you attempt to pet him or touch him?
Does he stand ground and arch up or charge at you?

If he doesn't do any of the above and seems calm, I'd attempt handling. How long have you had him? If he does do any of the above, I'd wait a little - but that's just me. He shouldn't really need a bath if humidity is correct - but I can see how you want to "potty train" him and all.

When I open the enclosure, he just looks at me. When I reach towards him, reactions vary.

If I have food he typically allows me to sit the food right in front of him and eats it when he is interested.

Once or twice he has arched up, but if I sit there for a while and sit my hand there he will come up and smell it. I'll then pet his tail, as I am a bit wary to pet near his head.
I have had him for exactly two weeks and started attempting interactions with him three days ago.

 

[TeguBuzz]

Sounds like it's going well. Eventually you'll have to face it and go closer to his head - how large is he? If things keep going smoothly, I think you should have little to no problems holding him apart from the fact that he may be squirmy in your hands the first few times. Also, he may be terrified of the bath, given time he will get used to it.

Mind posting some pics? I'll check to see if you already have.

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Saw the pics - looks great.

 

[psychocircus91]

Sounds like it's going well. Eventually you'll have to face it and go closer to his head - how large is he? If things keep going smoothly, I think you should have little to no problems holding him apart from the fact that he may be squirmy in your hands the first few times. Also, he may be terrified of the bath, given time he will get used to it.

Mind posting some pics? I'll check to see if you already have.

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Saw the pics - looks great.

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Thanks, That was the first day. He has eaten since and is more full looking now. I've been meaning to get better pictures, but have been having camera issues. I did get a closeup the other day that I plan to post.
He is probably around 2.5 feet right now. Purchased as a yearling from Johnny.

If he seems calm tomorrow, I will make more of an effort to pet him.

 

[TeguBuzz]

Good luck with it. Ive dealt with Johnny many times in the past, quite a humble guy - great to talk to.

 

[BatGirl1]

When niles came out of hibernation he acted like I was trying to kill him when i picked him up. He was the sweetest, calmest thing when i first got him, so huge difference. I just kept putting my hand slowly near him when basking. Then eventually stroking his back. If picking up I scoop from under, never grab from above. And I use a handtowel to place him on because I can flap part of it over him if he seems stressed. He likes to nuzzle down into it sometimes. Anyway, the first few times getting used to being held I almost lost him onto the floor twice! I had to grab him almost mid air and just put him back in cage. But each time i think if you just keep going really slow and low to ground so non threatening to him it should help. Also i tong feed in enclosure right now, and this also seems to build trust (if not just curiosity and feeding response haha) because i call to him and lure him out of hide with food sometimes. Then after he eats he is full and happy and will sleep on my lap a bit hope i helped some and wasn't rambling too much

 

[psychocircus91]

Good luck with it. Ive dealt with Johnny many times in the past, quite a humble guy - great to talk to.

yeah, I was very pleased with the entire experience.

When niles came out of hibernation he acted like I was trying to kill him when i picked him up. He was the sweetest, calmest thing when i first got him, so huge difference. I just kept putting my hand slowly near him when basking. Then eventually stroking his back. If picking up I scoop from under, never grab from above. And I use a handtowel to place him on because I can flap part of it over him if he seems stressed. He likes to nuzzle down into it sometimes. Anyway, the first few times getting used to being held I almost lost him onto the floor twice! I had to grab him almost mid air and just put him back in cage. But each time i think if you just keep going really slow and low to ground so non threatening to him it should help. Also i tong feed in enclosure right now, and this also seems to build trust (if not just curiosity and feeding response haha) because i call to him and lure him out of hide with food sometimes. Then after he eats he is full and happy and will sleep on my lap a bit hope i helped some and wasn't rambling too much

Yeah, my guy seems more interested when I use the tongs rather than just sitting a plate there. I agree, it seems to be helping with the trust.
He barely came out yesterday, and I work most of the day today so I'm just doing what I can right now!

 

[BatGirl1]

Funny thing but before hibernation niles would eat from a dish in a feeding tub. Now in his big enclosure and after waking up he doesn't like the feed tub or dish. I can put the plate in his enclosure and sometimes he'll lick the food but now won't actually eat it unless i put it on the dirt in front of him with the tongs. It's fine with me, whatever he wants, but just a peculiar observation.

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I'm almost inclined to believe he enjoys the taste of the peat haha

 

[psychocircus91]

Funny thing but before hibernation niles would eat from a dish in a feeding tub. Now in his big enclosure and after waking up he doesn't like the feed tub or dish. I can put the plate in his enclosure and sometimes he'll lick the food but now won't actually eat it unless i put it on the dirt in front of him with the tongs. It's fine with me, whatever he wants, but just a peculiar observation.

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I'm almost inclined to believe he enjoys the taste of the peat haha

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I sure with I could get inside their heads!


Tegubuzz: I pet him today; his head and body included. He looked at me warily, but didn't show signs of aggression and didn't run into hiding. I'm going to try to continue this for a few days and hopefully pick him up this weekend.