I need help. I have a serious problem on Tmy hands.

[boxers1997]

So my father moved Connor outside to his new enclosure without my knowledge. This morning I went to go check on him and he was fine, asleep in his hide box from his old tank. Well we haven't really been able to decorate a whole bunch so all we have is a tub of water for him to get in and soak, and a big stair stepper for him to climb on and bask or hide underneath. (Not the elliptical ones.) My problem is, every time I get into his enclosure his temperament and demeanor has totally changed. He used to get a little pissy here and there but now he puffs up anytime he sees me and charges at me, mouth agape. I don't know if its just the large space that he isn't used to yet and is sort of scared or what, but now its like he's a totally different Tegu.
What can I do to help wean him from seeing me as a threat?

 

[Carnicero]

Just give it some time for your 'gu to get adjusted. Mine acted the same way when i put it in the new enclosure. Try and spend alot of time next to the cage, almost like starting the taming process over again until he comes around and doesnt see you as a threat to the new territory. It took about 2 weeks for mine to get back in the flow of things.

 

[boxers1997]

That's what I had started to figure. I've had him since the beginning of February and it took a good two months for him to really get adjusted with me but if I have to begin the taming process, again, I guess that's no biggie. Just now he's a little bit bigger and more "intimidating" and has a bigger mouth I have more fun to look forward too, lol. (not)

 

[Bubblz Calhoun]

Ditto on time, getting use to being outside is a process like everything else. I'm not sure how well their eye site is at a distance, more than likely at that time caution over rules that sense anyway. Especially when it's something bigger than they are. But if he's use to your voice talking to him at that time can also help.

 

[boxers1997]

Any one else have any advice as to what I can do?

 

[Tannaros]

Any one else have any advice as to what I can do?

It should be noted that many tegu caretakers have had their gu's "freak out" when they take them outside. Additionally, a rapid, large, change can be overwhelming for many animals. The sudden change from an indoors to outdoors (presumably?) enclosure demands that your tegu observe many new sights, sounds, smells, and other stimuli that encite the behavioral responses genetically coded into him/her.

Really I agree thoroughly with what's been suggested - go slowly and allow the tegu to become accustomed to the new home and then reintroduce yourself.

 

[boxers1997]

I think he's starting to get more used to all of the new smells, sights, and sounds, and he's starting to realize I'm not a threat. Or at least a big one because before, I would walk by the cage and he'd dart after me trying to get through the wire and bite me. Now, since its been about a week when he's in his basking or hide spot next to the cage he just sits there unresponsive or if I go inside his cage to move stuff around or set out his food he stays put until I leave. So I think I'm making progress. It went from trying to viciously attack me and run me off to playing opossum until I leave. But I just don't get what the real issue was with him in particular because I have sat out in his enclosure with him for hours before I permanently moved him into it and he was a little on edge, but not trying to eat my face. I guess he's just overwhelmed by being all alone out there.