Problems

[Chris23039]

Hi all having a few problems and I don't know if there normal or not. Got my tegu on the 5th of may and at first he/she was eating but know he/she burrows a lot and I've rarely been able to hold him/her as work or college during the day and never out when I get back. Basically just wondering if this is a time when he's nervous so doesn't come out and he will when he's more used to it or is there something else I'm doing wrong??
4ft by 2ft tank
Reptisun 10.0 running across the length
Basking spot hovers around 109 110 mark
Hot side around 90
Cool side around 65
Humidity ive managed to keep around the 75 85% marker

Thanks for any replies

 

[Chris23039]

Also forgot to add because of this I have had to put food in the tank and it's only 2-3 times a week any food goes.

 

[Chris23039]

No opinions???

 

[Scott_k]

He's probably still getting used to his environment. Depending on how old he is, arrgentines will hibernate. It seems like your doing everything right, give him time as long as you know he's eating I wouldn't worry about it. I haven't seen my Nile in 4 days but his food dish is empty after each feeding and the water is dirty so I know he's eating and drinking. I wouldn't stress it too much.

 

[Maro1]

Scott K is exactly right. I think through their life they go through these times of activity and hiding,. Unlike us they don't need meals 3 times a day. It looks like all of your parameters are good. So I would not worry too much. He will eventually come out once he feels secure and or hungry enough.

Maro1

 

[Chris23039]

Oh thanks I was hoping it would be that

 

[m3s4]

Yep - he's just hiding out and being "shy" for lack of a better word.

He's trying to get used to everything and his comfort zone is currently somewhere between the bottom of the tank and under 6 inches of mulch.

Some people recommend leaving them. I do the opposite.

I start the socialization process as early as possible.

My 2 juvies did the same thing a few months ago, every day...trying to hide out. However, I'd go in, get both of them up, put them under their UVB, warm them up, let them go potty in a warm tub of water, feed them and THEN let them hunker down and nap.

I made this a routine that is still in effect right now. After a couple of days, they no longer "hide" because they are frightened - they are slowly being introduced to normalcy - which for all of us, is this routine.

Yours might eat right away, he might not. Eventually tho, he will whether you opt to start a routine now or wait - so don't worry. Water is more important at this stage then food ever could be so make sure he's hydrated and you physically see him drink - either out of a dish or after a misting.

Don't worry tho, 99% of owners experience this at one stage or another. I've had 5 tegus and they've all tried hiding out - I say try because I don't let them do it

Don't forget to talk to him either, very important - baby talk even. The frequency in your voice is calming when you are "baby talking" to them. Tegus are extremely intelligent. They know the difference in vocal tones when you are talking to them. At this point, everything needs to be calm. Let him see you, let him lick you and talk to him as much as possible.

Good luck!

 

[Chris23039]

Okay thanks guys I'll try socialising with him tommorrow as I'm off work

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Okay thanks guys I'll try socialising with him tommorrow as I'm off work

 

[james.w]

How are you measuring your temps? I highly doubt your cool side is 65 if you have a 90 warm side.

 

[Chris23039]

It's 75 sorry iPhone and a big thumb sometimes causes problems