Reptile & Amphibian Forums

this was posted on the tegu forum. any thoughts about how this applies to BDs?

"You should feed your tegu in its cage out a bowl.
That way you are providing him with everything he needs in his own enviroment . Having these needs met is what makes these animals feel comfortable . By taking him out of his inviroment to feed him you are inadvertently teaching him that he must somehow escape his home in order to find his food .
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Stella St.Pierre
www.bluetegu.com"

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Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

I have never owned a Tegu, but I have met several at work. I have to admit I have not met the nicest specimens of the species. I would think that tegus are not as "social" as beardies and enclosure security would not be as big an issue for beardies because most of them are taken out daily for exercise, bathing, holding, pictures () etc. I may be totally off because Tegus may be much more amiable than I am giving them credit for. Let me know I am always curious about species I don't have much experience with.
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Stacey

I have to say that tegus are probably smarter than BDs. I had one escape artist that would get out of any enclosure he was in. One of my breeders knows his name and comes when called. All my tegus are happy to hang out with me and even go on field trips to home depot. They can be very sociable or aloof like cats. In fact I have heard they are on the same intelegance level as cats. I know of people that give them free run of their homes too.

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Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

Cool! I am glad to hear it. Probably the ones I have seen aren't handled much. Plus we aren't exactly doing their favorite things at the hospital! Those are GORGEOUS animals. Much better looking than any I have ever seen at work.

Well, with that info. Wouldn't you say that their "enclosure" is more than their tank and that the food security thing would be a mute issue? I don't know, just my thoughts.
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Stacey

I feed my BD in their enclosure. I was curious how people who fed outside feel and what their esperiences have been. Do their BD seem to want "OUT" all the time? Mine want out, they wander up my arm or jump onto me when they can, but after a quick rub and a how do you do, they are generally happy to go back inside.
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Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

I have tried many times to get my 3 BD's to eat in a seprate area. they totally refuse. the smallest one the first time ate more than i've even given him... but that was it. he never touched another cricket in there for days. same with the large guys. they didn't eat for 3 days i finally said forget it.