Hi everyone, I'm new to tegus and in dire need of some clarification (please).
We just received (4 days ago) our male Argentine Chacoan tegu (yearling). He just came out of hibernation a couple of days before the breeder shipped him to us. We have been allowing him to slowly get used to daylight by slowing increasing his UVB exposure (starting at 8hrs with a break in the middle) until we reach 12 hrs of UVB exposure. The problem is, he refuses to come to the surface and all he wants to do is sleep. Even with the advice of another highly reputable well known breeder (our breeder has yet to get back to us) to gently remove him from his hide box and give him a nice warm soak (this was on day 3), he still remained pretty inactive (sleeping in the tub and once out and dried off, sleeping on me or on the floor). He has walked around a little on the floor but only to find a hiding spot so he can sleep. We offered him some scrambled egg, strawberries and grapes after his bath, he did take notice of the food but then turned away. He has since returned to his hide and we have not seem him since.
Is this normal for a tegu just out hibernation and in a new home? How is he suppose to get UVB exposure when he's constantly burrowed? What about him staying hydrated? Will he eventually come around or should I do what the breeder said and help him wake up more by removing him from his burrow, handling him a bit and perhaps putting him under his basking light? I always thought the golden rule was: NEVER REMOVE YOUR TEGU FROM THEIR HIDE BOX OR BURROW?
Or am I worrying over nothing?
**I've posted on other threads (with pics) but received no replies, I'm hoping someone will provide some advice
Here is his set up:
Basking area is 95-105 (on rock).
Cool side (hide) is 75 - 85
Basking Lighting:
1 - UVB 10 Repti Sun compact
175 watt clear infrared
On other side of enclosure is:
1 UVB 10 tube style
Humidity:
Reptifogger controlled by a hydrotherm controller @ 70 - 80%
Hide is filled with coconut husk medium & sphagnum moss
Substrate is 75% coconut husk & 25% Ecco earth
Temporary enclosure is glass terrarium (front opening) 5' X 3' X 2'
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