CharliesMomnDad
New Member
- Messages
- 23
Hello everyone,
So before you read on. I realized now that I typed a lot. But please know your time and knowledge is very much appreciated. We're very excited about our new baby.
Over the weekend my girlfriend and I went into a popular reptile shop in our area and fell in love with a Red Tegu. After much research, we learned how incredible these guys are and made the purchase. We named him Charlie. He was a little scared at first, very active... But quickly got used to us in conversation and took a nap on my girlfriend.
So... I've found many sites with lots of information, with them all saying the similar things. However, I thought I'd come on here and ask for information. Below I will type everything I know so far, and I completely open for corrections. We pick him up this coming Saturday, we both want to be sure to love him and ensure he has a great life!
What I know so far... And please, suggestions are very much welcome. The goal is to treat our baby the best way possible!
- Cage must be twice his length in length, and just as wide as he is long. So eventually we will work into an 8ft x 4ft x 4ft environment. For now it will be half that 4ft x 2ft x 2ft
- We'll be using the suggested substrate that they use with the shop's Tegus. It is semi-absorbent without being dangerous to the lizard.
- They eat a wide variety of food... Fruits, vegetables, and proteins. I used to be an owner of rats and mice, so I really don't want to them to him. But we will do crickets, ground turkey (will mix cod liver oil in as suggested, tablespoon to a lb of meat), gizzards, eggs (hard-boiled or scrambled), fresh fish, grapes, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, melons, tomatoes, and bananas (but only every once a few weeks)... I haven't seen anything about feeding them citrus, so I'm guessing this is a bad idea? I figured I'd stay away from it.
- His food must be supplemented with calcium.
- A water bowl should be provided... Preferably big enough for him to submerge itself. If it is not, then we must take him to the tub for two times a week for 15 min soaks.
- UVB is extremely important... Basking side should be above 100°, but not to meet or exceed 110°. Cool side should be 70s.
- Other than basking, there should be a hide or hides for him.
- Humidity... I have read many articles ranging from 60-70% up towards a range of 80-90%. What is accurate or correct?
- Tons of love necessary.. Holding, talking to him, etc.
What I'm unclear on is how much calcium is necessary? I.e. tablespoon a day, teaspoon, etc. Also, I can't find the article that I read, but I remember reading you want calcium without D3 and Phosphorus, is that correct?
The humidity thing... I read many ranges...
I also read full spectrum lighting is important... UVA and UVB?
And... I think that's all I got for now. I hope I didn't forget anything. I am constantly reading and learning... I am very excited and can't wait 'til he's older and comfortable, take him for walks and so on.
Anyhow I am happy to be a part of the community, I look forward to your responses.
- Charlie's Mom and Dad
Oh also, I learned about feeding.
I will not be feeding him in his cage. There will be a designated feeding area where the food will already be waiting. I will not have food in my hands around him.
Thought I'd drop that in.
Also I thought I'd mention, I found the care sheet from owner of Varnyard Herps. Awesome!
So before you read on. I realized now that I typed a lot. But please know your time and knowledge is very much appreciated. We're very excited about our new baby.
Over the weekend my girlfriend and I went into a popular reptile shop in our area and fell in love with a Red Tegu. After much research, we learned how incredible these guys are and made the purchase. We named him Charlie. He was a little scared at first, very active... But quickly got used to us in conversation and took a nap on my girlfriend.
So... I've found many sites with lots of information, with them all saying the similar things. However, I thought I'd come on here and ask for information. Below I will type everything I know so far, and I completely open for corrections. We pick him up this coming Saturday, we both want to be sure to love him and ensure he has a great life!
What I know so far... And please, suggestions are very much welcome. The goal is to treat our baby the best way possible!
- Cage must be twice his length in length, and just as wide as he is long. So eventually we will work into an 8ft x 4ft x 4ft environment. For now it will be half that 4ft x 2ft x 2ft
- We'll be using the suggested substrate that they use with the shop's Tegus. It is semi-absorbent without being dangerous to the lizard.
- They eat a wide variety of food... Fruits, vegetables, and proteins. I used to be an owner of rats and mice, so I really don't want to them to him. But we will do crickets, ground turkey (will mix cod liver oil in as suggested, tablespoon to a lb of meat), gizzards, eggs (hard-boiled or scrambled), fresh fish, grapes, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, melons, tomatoes, and bananas (but only every once a few weeks)... I haven't seen anything about feeding them citrus, so I'm guessing this is a bad idea? I figured I'd stay away from it.
- His food must be supplemented with calcium.
- A water bowl should be provided... Preferably big enough for him to submerge itself. If it is not, then we must take him to the tub for two times a week for 15 min soaks.
- UVB is extremely important... Basking side should be above 100°, but not to meet or exceed 110°. Cool side should be 70s.
- Other than basking, there should be a hide or hides for him.
- Humidity... I have read many articles ranging from 60-70% up towards a range of 80-90%. What is accurate or correct?
- Tons of love necessary.. Holding, talking to him, etc.
What I'm unclear on is how much calcium is necessary? I.e. tablespoon a day, teaspoon, etc. Also, I can't find the article that I read, but I remember reading you want calcium without D3 and Phosphorus, is that correct?
The humidity thing... I read many ranges...
I also read full spectrum lighting is important... UVA and UVB?
And... I think that's all I got for now. I hope I didn't forget anything. I am constantly reading and learning... I am very excited and can't wait 'til he's older and comfortable, take him for walks and so on.
Anyhow I am happy to be a part of the community, I look forward to your responses.
- Charlie's Mom and Dad
Oh also, I learned about feeding.
I will not be feeding him in his cage. There will be a designated feeding area where the food will already be waiting. I will not have food in my hands around him.
Thought I'd drop that in.
Also I thought I'd mention, I found the care sheet from owner of Varnyard Herps. Awesome!