Tegu - help

[Ballpython2]

So I was interested in buying one of these and I did some research.

What I found out is that the most important thing is that NO size tank unless custom made will be able to house an adult tegu that will get 4- 5 ft.

As a baby they mostly eat insects and a pre-killed rodent every now and again.

Then as adults they get the same thing but can also be fed cooked eggs and raw meat such has hamburger, hot dogs, and turkey.

Regular handling from a baby will tame them out however the gold and Columbian Tegus are less docile than the Black and whites.

They need a hot spot of 100 – 110 degrees. Regular temperature outside of the hotspot is 80 degrees.

Life span is up to 12 years

And of course they need a water dish large enough to soak in/drink from.

If am missing anything or yall have something to add I’d love to hear it thanks

For all the help in advance.

[billwalsh]

Argentine black and whites have a reputation for being more commonly docile. I've had a number of Columbian black and whites that were defensive and standoffish. But as with any reptile, there's no temperament that's species specific, they are individuals like dogs/cats/humans.

The cooked eggs and raw meat is a fallacy, I don't know where it originated. Whole food items only are suggested. There are a lot of people feeding that stuff, but what you "can get by with" and what you "should do" are two different ballparks.

Tegus are also different in that their diet has a fruit/vegetable component in it. They are omnivorous. Do some searches on that and you will find they have a more varied diet than other reptiles.

You are correct in your enclosure assumptions, mainly because Tegu require a high level of humidity that you cannot achieve without having a custom enclosed cage with moisture retaining substrate. Screen tops/sides will be detrimental and you will never be able to achieve the temperature/humidity gradient you're looking for.

[wolfy-hound]

I would never feed hotdogs or other processed meats.
I raised my Arg B&W and the Arg Reds on cut up fruits, small rodents, ground turkey(with supplements), eggs(mostly raw eggs for mine). The fruits should not include citrus, banana, or pineapple. Mine tended towards apples and grapes, although any in season fruits are good.
They do need a high basking temp, and make sure you get the right UV type bulbs as well. Tegus like dirt, but I moved mine to mulch instead, and they seem to like it fine too.
Handling them is necasary, but you must do it in a way to form a good bond. Build a trust between you and you'll have a wonderful pet.
All of the above advice is from MY experiance with MY tegus, who are healthy and doing well. There are some good caresheets out there as well.
Make certain you understand the cost of feeding a large lizard, and that you're certain you can care for one for the next decade. Re-homing a large lizard is sometimes problematic.
I love my tegus, and personally I reccoment them for pets instead of any of the monitors. They just seem to have more personality.