New tegu. Have questions

[Joshua Trakys]

So I just recently purchased (on saturday, today is wednesday) a baby tegu from a local reptile expo and I just have a couple of questions. Is it normal for him to come out for only about an hour or so, bask and dig around and then go back into his hide and burrow himself for the rest of the day? Also two day ago he ate 3 medium-large sized crickets and some egg yolk, yesterday he didnt seem interested in the crickets so I gave him some egg yolk. Today he also didn't seem interested in the crickets but I didnt offer egg. Also since Ive had him he's continually in his hide burrowed and covered up. Only time he basks is when I take him out and put him under the lights and then he stays there for about 30 mins or so. Just asking for clarification and tips. Thanks!

 

[Walter1]

Argentine black and whites are as temerate jn habits as bears! Come fall, to one extent or another, they slow down. Some more so than others. As long as he's bright-eyed and not skinny don't worry.

 

[Joshua Trakys]

Would it be wise to put a UTH heat pad under where he burrows? The basking spot is around 105-110 but his burrowing spot under his basking area is only about 75 or so

 

[Walter1]

Hot spot should be 110-120f. Gradient to other end in mid-upper 70s. He can then pick what he wants.

 

[BigJay8232]

Walter has already said it but this is the time of year where Tegus Slow down and Hibetnate/Brumate. I haven't seen my female tegu in over a Month. Just maintain fresh water and proper temps and do not feed until the baby shows an interest in food as going into the burrow for days or weeks at a time with a full tummy can cause the food to rot inside them and lead to death.

 

[DougY]

Walter has already said it but this is the time of year where Tegus Slow down and Hibetnate/Brumate. I haven't seen my female tegu in over a Month. Just maintain fresh water and proper temps and do not feed until the baby shows an interest in food as going into the burrow for days or weeks at a time with a full tummy can cause the food to rot inside them and lead to death.

How would I know when the Tegu shows an interest in food?

 

[BigJay8232]

Normally after my Tegus come up from Brumation. I'll witness prowling behaviour, lot's of tongue flicking and I'll offer just a small amount of food at first to guage their interest. Make sure you give your baby a nice soak after he/she becomes active again.

 

[BigJay8232]

Also, What are your cage temps?

 

[DougY]

Normally after my Tegus come up from Brumation. I'll witness prowling behaviour, lot's of tongue flicking and I'll offer just a small amount of food at first to guage their interest. Make sure you give your baby a nice soak after he/she becomes active again.

Water temp?

 

[BigJay8232]

Oh, I like to use Comfortably Warm water. Roughly 85-90 degrees.