Alright, i haven't seen any care sheets on bp.net for Columbian golden tegus so im going to share one based off of my experience:
Introduction:
The golden tegu is not for everyone especially an unexperienced keeper or anyone who is not willing to give them daily attention.Also, understand tegus in general have some of the strongest jaw pressure in the world along with many sharp teeth, and to add to that when they bite they hold on for at least five mins. . However they can certainly be a rewarding herp to keep.
Selecting your golden tegu:
If possible purchase a tegu at an expo. The reason for this is to select a tegu personally and inspect its health. look for one that doesn't have mites and doesn't have any missed sheds and it is preferable to buy a baby. Also, understand that tegus at an expo are cold so they will seem friendly, but once warmed up they will revert back to being aggressive.
Taming:
This is the most complicated aspect to golden tegus, as they are generally EXTREMELY aggressive when warm. What is recommended is instead of handling, just have your GLOVED hand present in there cage and pet them slowly. Additionally do not leave when they bite as that will support an aggressive response. taming these tegus is very similar to taming Nile monitors, only harder. another aspect to keep aggression down is to use a feeding container for them because feeding bites from an adult WILL result in stitches.
Slowly progress from just having your hand present and once they stop biting due to the simply having your hand in there container, start petting them after about 2 weeks they will stop biting for touching them, move on to lightly picking them up in there cage, and keep in mind they can run faster than 25 mph and will find a place to hide if they jump along with knowing even as hatchling they can climb stairs. After they are comfortable with that put them on a reptile leash and let them roam through your house while you follow with the leash. Remember you dont teach the tegu the tegu teaches you. Additionly remember this is not a pet for other people to hold.
Housing:
the absolute minimum cage size for a single golden is 48"x28"x28". Bigger is always better though. Since these tegus are from Columbia they like plants also provide a hide, climb and water bowl.
Diet:
Tegus are very oppurtonistic carnivores. in captivity there diet should be mostly feeder insects such as crickets and roaches. However 2-3 feeding a week should be eggs (scrambled with water or hard) or cooked ground turkey. Although other tegus are omnivores, Columbian tegus are carnivores all through life.
Heating/lighting/humidity:
The ambient air temp Should be about 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity should be 75-90%. UVB/UVA is required a UTH and heat lamp are recommended for heat.
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