ready for my first tegu!

[kellyannyoder]

Hello everyone, I'm new to Tegu Talk . I am also seriously looking into purchasing my first pet tegu. I have a lot of experience with reptiles, and I have done more research on these little (well, not really "little") guys than you could imagine. I'm willing to do anything to give my tegu the proper care. Money is not quite an issue, I've saved up. The only problem is that... I'm a high school student. While I'm not a very social teenager (I'm at home whenever I'm not at school), I want to be sure that in my situation I can give my tegu the attention it needs on a daily basis. Of course, my family is on board, they think tegus are pretty cool and will give him/her some affection while I'm at school. Essentially, this is going to be a family pet, but I'll be doing all the dirty work (feeding, cleaning, healthcare, etc). So, do you think I can do this? I know what's involved and I think I'm ready to take this on. Thanks everyone, I look forward to hopefully being apart of this community when I finally get my dream reptile! (I should probably include that I'm looking into a black and white argentine hatchling)

 

[Levon]

Hey i am a recent Tegu owner high school student as well. I got an older argentine black and white from a nature center i work at and she has been great, my family loves her too, even my sisters dog is not bothered by her. If you have done your research and you are experienced enough i say go for it. Tegus are amazing and very rewarding to keep.
Oh and welcome to the community

 

[tegutiff]

Im a high schooler as well, 12th grade to be exact! New to TeguTalk, too! Im getting first tegus today. When you get them, for sure post pictures of them, i'd LOVE to see them!

 

[kellyannyoder]

Congrats!!! I'm so excited to get mine I'd love to see some pictures when you get the little guy (or girl)

 

[tegutiff]

Congrats!!! I'm so excited to get mine I'd love to see some pictures when you get the little guy (or girl)

THANK YOU! Im getting a male and a female, their names will be Hazel and Gus, I'm probably just as excited as you!

 

[kellyannyoder]

Those names are so clever! I plan to get a male b&w argentine, but I haven't picked a name yet. I've been thinking about Alfie

 

[tegutiff]

Ehh the guy i was suppose to get my tegus from yesterday, called me and canceled… he decided to keep them… so i just ordered a male today, so he'll be here friday morning! Now to think of a name!

 

[kellyannyoder]

Oh I'm sorry, that sucks. You're not getting the pair anymore? What breed are you getting?

 

[Josh]

welcome to the forum @kellyannyoder !

 

[kellyannyoder]

Thank you!

 

[tegutiff]

Oh I'm sorry, that sucks. You're not getting the pair anymore? What breed are you getting?

No, im not getting the pair anymore... but im getting an Argentine black and White friday

 

[ballpythoncrazy]

I'd say go for it. But one thing to consider: college! What happens when college comes, if you're going to be attending? Are you going to continue living at home when you're in college? Will you have the time to properly take care of this giant animal? Let me tell you, college sucks up about 50% of your time (depending on how many credit hours you're taking I guess). Do you have a job? If so, a lot of your time will be spent at school, doing homework, or working. Obviously you could let your tegu out to get some exercise while you're doing homework. But when you're at school or work another member of your family should be willing to let the tegu out to socialize and explore.

If you've done your research you already know that a tegu should really only spend its time in its enormous enclosure at night when it's time for bed. Tegus are more free roaming lizards. Can't really just stick them in a cage and expect them to be ok with it, no matter how big the cage is.

Also, if you were to move away when college comes make sure another member of your family is willing to do the dirty work after you've gone.

Lastly, FINDING SOMEWHERE TO LIVE WHEN YOU HAVE A GIANT REPTILE IS EXTREMELY HARD AND NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. it slightly depends on where you live, but most landlords say no to reptiles. Especially if it's apartment landlords. If you were to rent a house you might be able to talk the landlord into letting you keep the tegu. But overall, it would be better to wait until you own your own house before getting one of these animals. That way no one can tell you to get rid of it. And keep in mind, moving a 6ft long, 4ft wide, 3ft tall enclosure won't be easy.

In my opinion and experience, I would say wait until you own your own house, or make sure your family is willing to take care of the animal after you're gone, or plan on living with your family for the next 15+ years until the tegu dies.

But that's my opinion and if you think you can provide the best home for a tegu then by all means, go ahead! Tegus are great pets and I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Rebecca Stout]

Yes its the after and college that is the issue. Finding a place to live when renting is extremely hard is an understatement. It really is. And dorms? Impossible. These guys live like 15 years.
The fact its going to be a family pet, that's so cool. Such an advantage.