Red Tegu Questions

[justmezoe]

hi guys im planning on getting a red tegu but first im researching into them, and i would like to hear other peoples opinions on things like vivarium size, heat, lights, food, breeding, basically everything you know about the red tegu, this would be much appreciated thankyou xx

 

[Rebecca Stout]

If you have any experience with reptiles and well read on them, I've gotta say they are great. It's as huge of a commitment as a large bird however. Requiring special care and LOTS of attention. If you are hardly at home, it may not be the best pet because they do need work with taming. Unless you get an adult already tamed one that's never had any issues. So if you are used to dealing with the lights with reptiles, are somewhat experienced and have the time? Keep researching as this might be a fun pet for you! Try not to let some things scare you. Like the enclosure or feeding. The feeding isn't as much as you'd think. The enclosure will vary in price from 500 and up. It depends on how much materials are in your area, what you can get ahold of cheap, what you choose to use, and how much of the stuff you already have (wood, tools, supplies, lights). I freaked out. I also did a little over kill that I wish I hadn't had leading to an indestructible massive thing taking up half a room. It's not the size I regret. But the stuff i built it with. For example I used tons of 2x4's. They really arent needed if you ask me. Or at least not for the entire thing. I also built it 4 foot high. That is what is recommended but you can lower that a little (no more than a foot). This is a really rewarding pet. I researched for a year. And I still got some misinformation. And so much of it was either negative due to someones highly unusual bad experience or because so many people that keep this pet are a highly experienced keeper that is so obsessed with everything being "perfect" they freak you out. I was surprised to find how many opinions there were too. I was so freaked out. I"m so glad you are here. Because of everywhere I went?? This board was the most relaxed, open minded and balanced place to get information. No making me feel bad like Im killing my tegu because my temp is off 5 degrees, or I'm not using substrate some people dont prefer, or what I feed mine. So when I'm relaxed I can learn more and retain it. And be a better owner.

 

[Skeep]

Like Rebecca said, there is a lot of great information on here so look around. I found I had to fiddle with things for quite a while before I got the right lights, heat, etc, and small things can make a difference. My gu will eat anything I give her but there is a good post pinned in the forum with a feeding list and some good discussion about what is good for them. Definitely you need to spend a lot of time with them, and be patient, and hopefully it will turn into a rewarding pet!