Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am new to this Tegu thing, and have read alot about them, but I finally got one last night. My big question is, should I let it acclimate like a snake before offering food, or should I feed away. The place I got it said they were feeding it crickets daily, dusted 2-3 times a week. My understanding is that they do good with a diet of dog food that is low in fat. Should I try to switch him/her ASAP, or just feed the crickets with maybe a pink mouse? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hi and congrats on getting a tegu. I'm sure it will take awhile before he feels at home there but you should try to feed his as soon and as much as possible. Keep him on the insects while he's young then switch to more meat and fruit. Dog food should never be a major part of his diet if even at all.

Thanks Rolin, I appreciate it. I have him in a 40 breeder now(36"X18"X18" I know he will soon outgrow that. My question now is, should I feed him in the 40 breeder or take him out and put him in something different for feeding?

i feed all my lizards in a small 10 gallon tank with calcium all over the floor of it. this way is easier thn having o dust the crickets, they just wal threw it.another reason i use the 10 gallon tank is because, if a cricket survives feeding time, it could chew on my lizards while they sleep. when my tegu gets older ill put him in the tub to feed him. i did this with water draogns beardied draogns and my tegu. works great too.

Thanks, I will try feeding in a seperate container tonight when I offer him/her some crickets. I know this is beneficial with snakes, but I did not know that it would be benificial with the hand and food association with lizards as well.

Thanks again

What are you doing, trimming nails?
Just Curious.

MAP

Yeah it does look like a scissors. Actually that's his black leash bundled up in my hand. I don't know why we even bother putting it on him he's always so calm. We've been using it less and less often lately.

Hi and welcome!

How old is your new tegu (howlarge)?

HAND--

LW

I would guess he is about 3-4 months old and about 18-24" long. He was sold to me as Argentine, and it turns out it is Columbian. Let me know if you if you need any other info.