Why is Santiago misbehaving ?

[Denise Spencer]

Hello everyone, I like to introduce Santiago our new Argentina black and white Tegu. My name is Denise and I have a question about the enclosure for Santi. He keeps destroying all of the set up of his enclosure why is he destroying his hide out and trying to dig as if he wants out ? Can someone help us understand this behavior ?

 

[Walter1]

Welcome Denise. Please look over threads here. Your tegu needs an at least 8 X4' for room and adequate thermal gradient. 115 f on bask, 80 f ambient, 70s f in secure hide at other end.

 

[AlphaAlpha]

Hi Denise .... you need to go much much bigger.... Tegu's are not sun worshiper Lizards and need much cooler places to hang out with still a hot basking spot

 

[Denise Spencer]

We are building a new bigger enclosure as I type we already know that’s half the problem. But he’s misbehaving in eating and socializing it’s like he a mad teenager that wants nothing to do with his parents even though we are the one to provide everything to keep him alive. Any socializing tips or food tips you can give us? This is day three with him .

 

[AlphaAlpha]

It will just be the change.... He'll feel like the world he just got used to has being ripped from under him.... just be patient get him in a routine and I'm sure he'll soon settle down.