Getting my Columbian Tegu to come out

[Molly Janke]

Ollie will come out briefly in the day time. usually while I'm at work. Anytime I hold him/her, I have to dig him/her out of the substrate which seems to be frowned upon from what I have been reading in these forums. What other options do I have? The Photo is of Ollie when I bought him from PETCO.

 

[Tyler137]

How long have you had him? He might need some time to adjust to the new enclosure..

 

[Tannaros]

View attachment 6883 Ollie will come out briefly in the day time. usually while I'm at work. Anytime I hold him/her, I have to dig him/her out of the substrate which seems to be frowned upon from what I have been reading in these forums. What other options do I have? The Photo is of Ollie when I bought him from PETCO.

You need to establish a sense of trust before you attempt to do any handling. If your tegu doesn't willingly explore its own cage while your hands are in there doing various things, let alone explore your hands themselves, it is very likely not ready to be introduced to some new environment by this gigantic animal.

 

[Molly Janke]

I've had him since the end of April. He should be pretty acclimated by now, right?

 

[Molly Janke]

You need to establish a sense of trust before you attempt to do any handling. If your tegu doesn't willingly explore its own cage while your hands are in there doing various things, let alone explore your hands themselves, it is very likely not ready to be introduced to some new environment by this gigantic animal.

Too true. He is ok if he is out and I put my hand in. I put it in front of him and let him lick it and then slowly put it underneath him and pull him up. Sometimes he struggles but usually he just lets me do it. I have an outdoor cage that I could fit in with him. Should I get in there with him and just be still and see if he comes up to me?

 

[Molly Janke]

You need to establish a sense of trust before you attempt to do any handling. If your tegu doesn't willingly explore its own cage while your hands are in there doing various things, let alone explore your hands themselves, it is very likely not ready to be introduced to some new environment by this gigantic animal.

Also, I can hand feed him turkey or eggs without an issue. Is this good?