Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I see you have one of your tegus loving that leash, and id like to do the same with mine. The problem is every time i got the harness on him he flips out and goes into a death roll, resulting in him finally getting out of the harrness, i dont know how he does it, but i know he doesnt like it. Is it possible he is to young to bring the leash into the picture. Or is it better to start early.(Hes 30 inches, Argentine B/W) Thanks for any suggesstions. -Nick & Slash-

Wow he's getting pretty big Nick! I didn't try to put either of mine on a leash until they were over 3' long but Slash isn't too far behind. Have you tried using just a little string on loosely with one of those cylinder type clamps? It's easier to put on then the multi loop put this leg through here type leash they sell at stores and it's less bulky. You could also try putting it around his hip like they do with iguanas (in front of his back legs). That's what I did at first. Here's a pic were you can see that cylinder type clamp just above the middle finger of my left hand. I think you can get them at a craft store or in my case off an old jacket.

they've been posted on the iguana forum many times when the topic of leashes comes up. The materials needed to make these can be found at any sewing department. The cording comes in many different colors, patterns, materials and diameters, priced usually between .25 and .75 a foot. The barrel clasps are usually sold as a pair for about $1.50.

If he tried to run, or you were holding him back. Also wouldnt he just be able to put his back legs against his tail(as if in a swimming position) Then wiggle right out.

i think i see in your picture the leash is positioned in front of his front legs, am i correct? and if so coulnt he easily get out of this.

Yep, I put the leash around his neck/jowls in front of his front legs. I've never had a problem with them getting out of it. They do keep their forward momentum though and don't try to get it off. I did have a problem with them trying to shed it off when I put it around their hip though. Where were you putting the leash, behind the front legs? I haven't tried that. Oh yeah and maybe you don't even really need the leash, though I would recommend it if you're taking him swimming. Be careful taking him outside for the first time though! I know my tegus won't act up in the back yard so I don't even put a leash on them. I can encourage them to go a certain direction by walking beside them.

I presently have a velcro harness bought from a pet store. One strap goes around in front of the legs and the other behind. He will do a little back step move, along with a death roll or two and somehow manage to get out of it. He seems to absolutly dread the fact of being on a leash. Or maybee he doesnt like the way it feels around him. As far as going outside i dont think im going to attemt that yet, first of all its snowing here in ohio (I dont think ive ever read anything about a tegu taking a liking to the snow)lol, and i want to wait for him to grow a little more and get more dicile, but time will tell. Right now i have him taking baths a few times a week in the bath tub, but he doesnt seem to like that much, maybee because what you said in a previous post about them feeling trapped.

Oh and i got a question: i know you hibrinate your tegus, may i ask is there any reason besides less work for you, or are you planing on breading or whats the deal, because I think im just going to keep everything going throughout the winter, Plus he doesnt seem to be slowing down at all. last week i took a measurement and then seven days later i took another, with in 7 days he grew 4 inches. I know he wont do that every week but hopfully he keeps up the pace.
Thanks, Nick & Slash

Right after I first got my tegus (when they were babies) they hibernated despite my attempts to try and stop them. Just within the last couple weeks I've turned the light cycle back to 8 hours in an attempt to hibernate them again. I'm not trying to breed them or anything it's just that I feel bad for them not being able to go outside anymore. There's a bunch of reasons I like to bring them outside.
It seems more sanitary for them to go the bathroom outside instead of in their cage or tub (plugged the drain yesterday), they don't get as much exercise anymore (today Taz tipped over all the plants on our rack, dirt everywhere), don't get the natural basking light, don't get to swim, and it's more fun for me to hang out with them outdoors.

Hi Rollin,

I have been having the hardest time trying NOT to hibernate Amigo, I think he has realized that the urge is passing!!! Fortunately he is still small enough that it isnt too much of a big deal for him to be wandering around the house, although his tail is constantly knocking things over. (Easier for him to go outside too as I am in FL) I have a good question for you, which Bert hasnt managed to answer yet....during wintertime even though his appetite is great, is it normal for his rate of growth to slow down?? He has been shedding tiny amounts over a period of weeks, he gets a bath almost every night, so I know it can't be a moisture problem. Any ideas???

Ley

Well funny that, I've been trying to get mine to hibernate and they won't! I'm sorry I don't know if their growing slows down in the winter because mine hibernated through last winter. Have you been feeding Amigo fruit? I made the mistake of thinking I didn't have to feed them any fruit until they were a year old but now after I started feeding them kiwi (high in vit C) their sheds look much better.

Hey Rollin,

wow, I was also under the impression that typically you were supposed to wait until about a year old before trying to introduce fruit into the diet!!!! Can they eat oranges, tangerines etc? I ask this only because I have an abundance at the moment (florida winter = citrus fruits!! lol) Will definitly give that a try. Thanx

Ley x