Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,

Just one quick question. I have an approximately 4 month old Arg B/W that I have had for about 6 weeks, and I absolutely love him! Basically I am looking for peoples experiences with baby B/W's and how they are behavior wise. Mine is very active and not at all scared when he is in his cage. However, if you try to pick him up or even come near him with your hand, he absolutely freaks out and runs all over. When you do catch him, you have to hold him very securely and he gapes at you the entire time. I have had plenty of lizards run from your hand, but after they are in it they typically calm down. This guy tries to bite constantly and lets his bladder go. I know that I am supposed to work with him, but I am afraid I am stressing him out if I do. I am just curious if this is typical and if he will calm down as he gets older, or if I should continue to chase him with the "hand monster" and try to work with him. What are peoples thoughts or possible advise for a good way top work with him. Thanks for any help.

PS I also have a red that is about 4-6 weeks older and he is very calm and never even tries to bite and will just squirm for a second and then calm down.

Thanks again,

Eric

Where did you purchase the tegu? What type of cage do you have? Do you pull the tegu out from the top or the side?
Sometimes a tegu will freak if they are pulled from the ground into the air (being they are not abboreal)...
I would not attempt to pick him up at all (given his attitude)...just try petting him within his cage until he calms down.
When you are able to pet him as he basks without him freaking out at the site of your hand...when you can do that for a week or so...then gently attempt to pick him up...still don't pull him out...pick him up and keep him in the cage and pet him again. After a minute or two put him back down and walk away. Do this for a few more days...you want him to get the idea that when you pet him he is not being "pulled" out of his home...but just petted.
After that, if he is comfortable with all that , then you can try to take him out....let us know how it goes!
-----
Yours,

NiCoLE

"Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like trying to teach a pig how to dance: it wastes your time, and annoys the pig."

- Robert
Heinlein

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Hey,

Thanks for the help. He is currently being housed in a 55 gallon aquarium while I complete the cage I am building for him. I am doing it on the weekends so it will probably take 2-3 more weeks. Anyway, he is lifted out from above in this tank and I do kinda of expect him to freak out with a hand coming down on top of him like that. I will try to start petting him, but even that is difficult. Usually I might be able to gently pet him maybe one time before he goes running off. Like I said originally, he does seem to be used to me as long as my hand is not approaching him in the cage. Thanks, for your help and I will keep you guys posted!

Eric

>> I will try to start petting him, but even that is difficult.

That's why you need to get him used to being petted before you start lifting him out...if you let him out now he's so small he might just run away...and you'll be forced to try and catch him...thiswill make matters worse.
It will take time but you'll see with enough persistance it will be fine
Also try feeding him using tongs or hemostats...one worm at a time...something he really likes. Talk to him as you do it...pet him...he'll come around.
-----
Yours,

NiCoLE

"Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like trying to teach a pig how to dance: it wastes your time, and annoys the pig."

- Robert
Heinlein

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Mine does the same thing, but without the voiding and seems to be 50/50 on letting me pet her in her cage. What I've started doing is getting her out of her cage as quickly as possible and setting her on the ground right away (I used to restrain her until she settled). She instantly calms down quite a bit once on the floor. I can then gently redirect her if she tries to go under a chair or something. Usually after a just a minute or two of this, she's calm enough to pick up without all the drama. Her cage is at ground level, so even though I used to grab her quickly and pull her out, I now try to slide my hand under her and quickly lift/slide her out and onto the floor. Once she's out of her cage though, she's a total mush and will hang out on the couch, in my lap, whatever. She likes to hang out on the floor while I toss crickets to her - they're like candy to her! Keep in mind it may take months though - sometimes their age and size has more to do with it than anything. The big thing is to get them used to seeing you and just being comfortable around you. That way they begin to "understand" that you're not a threat, but are the bringer of food and "out time". Good luck and be patient and persistent and yours should come around.

Billy

Hey,

Thanks for the help. I am just curious as to how old your tegu is and about what her size is. Mine is approximately 4 months old and about 6-7 inches SVL and 14 or so TL. He is just small enough and tough enough to catch in the cage that I am nervous about taking him out yet. I would start with him in the bathroom of course where he is contained, but I am afraid that when I go to catch him there I will chase him around so much it will just scare him more. I may try it tonight just to see and be real calm and feed him asnd see how it goes.

Thanks Again,

Eric

Hey Eric. I'm not sure of the age, but she's now around 26-27" TL. I got her when she was about 14-15" about 2 months ago and she was a squirmy little devil for the first 20 seconds or so I would have her out. But she always calmed right down and never tried to run away once I had her out. She used to calmly try and bury herself behind a pillow or my back when I would have her out on the couch and she responded well to petting from day one. What is the reaction of your Tegu once it's out of the cage and with it's feet back on the ground? I find that mine just really doesn't like to feel like she's suspended off the ground and once she's back on terra firma, she's totally chilled out.

Billy

hey,

I am going to try putting him down in the bathroom with me feeding him some of his favorites and see what happens. I'll ket you know how it goes

Eric

How I pick my Tegu up is I put my fingers underneath his chest and scoop him onto my other hand and leave him flat there, the only time I really 'grab' him is when I see him going somewhere he's not supposed to. You should try letting your Tegu lay in your hand, he might try to walk off, just take your other hand and hold it out flat so he can step onto it. Only try this with your hand close to the ground, just in case your Tegu tries to dart off your hand, atleast till he becomes more tame and layed back.