If you decide to get a tegu, be prepared to dedicate the effort and time needed to care for it. Hatchlings can be housed in 20-gallon terrariums.
Fill the hide box three-quarters full with a mix of 65 percent small-chip coco husk and 35 percent sphagnum moss (pre-moisten the moss, but do not make it sopping wet). Red bulbs, heat pads and ceramic heat emitters can all work to keep your tank nice and warm. Outside of captivity, Argentine Tegus are found in the tropical areas of eastern and central South America. In general, they are known to develop a close relationship with their owners; some even compare them to being similar to companion pets. Argentine Tegus are sexually dimorphic, making it easy to distinguish male from female. Tegus grow to over four feet in length, are agile and fast on land or water. Some limited observations of red tegus and gold tegus have also been recorded in Florida. Females may start swaying back and forth or drag the back of their bodies. A varied diet should be offered for proper nutrition. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
Exclusive prey diets are not recommended for the Argentine Tegu because they might not obtain enough nutrients. The Argentine black and white tegu is native to South America where it can be found in Brazil, Paraguay, eastern Uruguay and northern Argentina. From time to time, your tegu may experience shedding difficulties, especially on tails and toes. 3 comments. If you think your tegu would prefer a darker hide, cover the clear tote with a dark adhesive vinyl shelf liner, or use a tote constructed of darker-colored plastic. Never release exotic animals such as tegus. Everything Reptiles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. As hatchlings, they might have green on their heads (reaching down to their necks); this color fades away within a few months and turns into black and white. Hibernation temperatures should remain at 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Though current population estimates are not available for this species, evidence suggests possible expansion of their populations in Florida. "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.".
That really is a long time for a tegu to go without food. Hi Creyvonne, that’s a long time for a Tegu to not eat.
Keep attractants such as pet food inside and be sure to cover outdoor openings and clear your yard of debris to minimize hiding and burrowing areas for tegus. See where this species has been reported in Florida. As much as half the diet for adult tegus can consist of fruits. This is a large screen cage that gives your tegu plenty of room to climb. Colombian tegus are natural scavengers as well as predators. For adult Argentine tegus, plan on at least a 6-foot by 3-foot by 2-foot enclosure. Wheat straw is inexpensive, easy to come by, less dusty than other substrates and easy to spot clean.
It also has plenty of room for accessories, plants, and even live food. Hatchlings display similar markings, but typically have bright green heads. Hatchlings are also less likely to bite; they might try to run away instead. Unlike other lizards, taller cages are not necessary for tegus as they do not stand on their hind legs or climb trees. A tegu’s eyes should be large and bright. Fortunately, diligent effort by Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC), United States Geoloical Survey (USGS), Universy of Florida (UF),South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has provided invaluable data by tracking the. It’s easy to clean, and since it’s tall, it doesn’t take up a lot of space on your shelf. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you’re looking for a reptile that can provide you a rewarding relationship, you might have just come across your ideal pet. Tegus enjoy soaking and the occasional swim, so a large water dish that they can soak themselves should be provided.
Tegus are all terrestrial, meaning they do not prefer to climb. 10 Best Chew Toys for Your Rabbit & Its Teeth. After hatching, juvenile tegus grow quickly. It’s made of wire and screen, so your tegu gets plenty of fresh air and light. What am I doing wrong? As they grow, adults should live in a terrarium that is at least 8 x 4 x 4 feet. Substrate like peat moss and/or vermiculite holds humidity very well and provides for burrowing but can be very messy.
Argentine Tegus retail for about $200 USD. Tegus can be fed rodents, small insects (such as crickets, mealworms, and others), canned high quality dog or cat food or even commercially prepared tegu diet. Ideal for: Baby and juvenile tegus, chameleons, geckos, water dragons. terrestrial) and may also be found swimming in freshwater. Iguanas are also some of the smartest and most affectionate Lizards with an ability to form Read More →. They will communicate my making huffing noises if they’re irritated. Copulation will take place for 1-2 weeks and eggs will hatch in about 58-60 days. It’s a large cage that is designed to give your tegu a happy life. His eyes light up when I come near his enclosure. Your tegu will reveal what it prefers, but train your pet to eat a varied diet! Size and Growth Chart, Green Iguana Care Guide: Diet, Cage, Size & Facts, Complete Ball Python Breeding Guide: Timeline, Incubation & More, Eastern Kingsnake Care Sheet For Beginners & Buyer’s Guide, Best Leopard Gecko Habitat: Tank Size, Substrate, Lighting & Hides, Axanthic Ball Python: Genetics, Bloodline, Breeding and Morphs, Argentine Giant Tegu, Black and White Tegu, 75-85°F and humidity should be kept between 75-90%, Twitching (symptom of Metabolic Bone Disease).