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NEW REPTILE ADVENTURE

gabbytheginger

New Member
Messages
12
Location
Janesville, WI
So after keeping reptiles for 10 years, I decided it is time to upgrade to a big boy. My first choice? A B&W Argentine Tegu. I just wanted to get some advice on keeping a happy and healthy tegu. Suggestions on diet and other needs? Taming techniques? Any input would be much appreciated! I am awaiting his arrival on Friday morning from XYZ Reptiles. :tegu:
 
Last edited:

Walter1

Moderator
Staff member
1,000+ Post Club
5 Year Member
Messages
4,384
So after keeping reptiles for 10 years, I decided it is time to upgrade to a big boy. My first choice? A B&W Argentine Tegu. I just wanted to get some advice on keeping a happy and healthy tegu. Suggestions on diet and other needs? Taming techniques? Any input would be much appreciated! I am awaiting his arrival on Friday morning from XYZ Reptiles. :tegu:
Lots of members happy to help, AND lots and lots of past posts on these topics. Friday won't come soon enough!
 

Jake lerch

Member
Messages
40
Hello! Ive spent a lot of time researching taming techniques. It was the biggest challenge for me. Some will say to just go in and grab them, i didnt get good results with that. Ive learned that these reptiles are very curious, i would just sit next to the enclosure with my hand flat on the ground untill she would come up to my hand, let her smell and lick my hand and just slowly slide my hand under her. I did this for just a couple months as much as i could. Now i can put my hand in there, put it under her head and she will jump right into my arms. Its really cool. With your experience im sure you will have no problems. What kind of reptiles have you had?
 

gabbytheginger

New Member
Messages
12
Location
Janesville, WI
Hello! Ive spent a lot of time researching taming techniques. It was the biggest challenge for me. Some will say to just go in and grab them, i didnt get good results with that. Ive learned that these reptiles are very curious, i would just sit next to the enclosure with my hand flat on the ground untill she would come up to my hand, let her smell and lick my hand and just slowly slide my hand under her. I did this for just a couple months as much as i could. Now i can put my hand in there, put it under her head and she will jump right into my arms. Its really cool. With your experience im sure you will have no problems. What kind of reptiles have you had?
I've had quite a range of all animals to be quite honest. With reptiles I have had quite a few geckos, snakes, tortoises and I even had a rescue iguana for a time. I've also had many furry creatures such as dogs and cats, I currently have a trio of rats I plan on breeding. I also have had more than my share of feathered friends including a conure, ducks, geese and chickens.
 

Jake lerch

Member
Messages
40
I've had quite a range of all animals to be quite honest. With reptiles I have had quite a few geckos, snakes, tortoises and I even had a rescue iguana for a time. I've also had many furry creatures such as dogs and cats, I currently have a trio of rats I plan on breeding. I also have had more than my share of feathered friends including a conure, ducks, geese and chickens.
Very cool. IMO the biggest thing with tegus is they require a lot of humidity(70-80%)and eventually large enclosures. What is your enclosure set up going to be?
 

gabbytheginger

New Member
Messages
12
Location
Janesville, WI
Very cool. IMO the biggest thing with tegus is they require a lot of humidity(70-80%)and eventually large enclosures. What is your enclosure set up going to be?
My room is usually at 50% so it's not that hard to get it up higher, which makes for interesting hair days! Currently it's a 40 gallon breeder because I want to work him up to a big boy enclosure which probably between 6 months-1 year I'll build his adult enclosure which is going to be at least 6 feet by 3/3.5 feet.
 

Walter1

Moderator
Staff member
1,000+ Post Club
5 Year Member
Messages
4,384
Hello! Ive spent a lot of time researching taming techniques. It was the biggest challenge for me. Some will say to just go in and grab them, i didnt get good results with that. Ive learned that these reptiles are very curious, i would just sit next to the enclosure with my hand flat on the ground untill she would come up to my hand, let her smell and lick my hand and just slowly slide my hand under her. I did this for just a couple months as much as i could. Now i can put my hand in there, put it under her head and she will jump right into my arms. Its really cool. With your experience im sure you will have no problems. What kind of reptiles have you had?
If I could clarify- I might be one who says reach in and grab them, but not quite accurate. Never an above grab. Instead, reach around sides and provide solid support if taking them out. Otherwise, depending on the circumstances they might just come out on their own.
 

Jake lerch

Member
Messages
40
If I could clarify- I might be one who says reach in and grab them, but not quite accurate. Never an above grab. Instead, reach around sides and provide solid support if taking them out. Otherwise, depending on the circumstances they might just come out on their own.
Yes, i agree. Never from above. If that is the way you choose. Each one probably has their own acceptance of ways to be handled. And another big thing is keeping an eye on the body language, especially the breathing. I also agree that in any circumstance, they need to feel there whole body is being supported.
 

gabbytheginger

New Member
Messages
12
Location
Janesville, WI
Yes, i agree. Never from above. If that is the way you choose. Each one probably has their own acceptance of ways to be handled. And another big thing is keeping an eye on the body language, especially the breathing. I also agree that in any circumstance, they need to feel there whole body is being supported.
With an animal that gets as big as they do it's common sense to support them, but I guess not everyone has that! lol
 
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