Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know tegus dont like like to be high off the ground but how is it that he doesnt seem comfortable when i'm caring him somwhere with my hands, but he doesnt mind sitting on my shoulder or crawling up to my head when i'm walking. Its kinda wierd. anyone got any suggestions. -Nick

when he is on your shoulder he is sitting there. he is how he wants to be. he feels totally supported. we cant tell how he feels when we're holding them. some get used to it, some dont. they like to be on the ground and not up high like you said. so they what there whole body touching something. not just being "supported". hope this makes sense to you, how im explaining it. i can visualize it very well.
bye

Tegus are terrestrial so having them in a high place, you risk a fall which is also risking broken limbs or worse. Try holding him lighty and letting him walk from hand to hand. That might be one problem he has with you holding him. I know that none of my lizards except two like to be held tightly or restrained, but once I let them go hand to hand for a while, they settle right down. Just a suggestion.

JS

The from hand to hand is good advice and that worked well when he was a baby, but now as almost 40 inches its kinda hard to let him walk from hand to hand. I guess i may give up and just let him walk on the ground where ever he wants to. Thanks for your help. Sea ya later Nick & Slash.