Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am a recent red tegu owner. The first one I purchased from a reputable dealer and have had no problems with it. I give it calcium and vitamin supplements and it is getting bigger everyday and has a friendly character. The other one I purchased about 9 days ago. It has not eaten a thing. After three days a portion of its tail fell off by itself without being touched. I also noticed that it had trouble climbing the branches in its cage and when it did get to the top it slid off and did a header into the substrate on the bottom of the cage. After closer inspection I noticed that most of it's toes did not have claws and that is the reason it cannot hang on to the branches. It just buries itself and won't come out. I have tried to hand feed it different live foods as well as fruits and tegu bites. It won't eat anything. I talked to a different dealer and they said if it hasn't been given regular calcium supplements this is probably the cause of it's losing it's claws. Both of my red tegus are about the same length and age except that the sickly one is emaciated. I talked to the pet shop owner who said that he would not take it back and that he has fed it regularly and given it supplements. When he sold it he said it was in excellent health which clearly was a lie. He also said he had it for several months and had to drop the price on it a few times. I need help. Can anyone tell me what the problem is, does it sound like it is calcium deficient? What are some good resources to study from ? I can only find paperback books with one or two pages about tegus. Thank you for your help. My email address is gorajczyk@comcast.net

lost toe nails can be from a poor diet/husbandry. If shed is not removed from around the toes they can lose nails and toes as well. Fruit is an important part of a reds diet. A good level of humidity is needed as well. When my reds are moved into new housing, they love to hide and I dont see them out and about during most of the day. Some will spend more time out basking than others though. It also depends on the time of year, amount of light and the temperature. BTW How old is he? Are you sure you did not get an import?

Regardless it sounds like you got a bum deal and I think you need to plan a vet visit if you are going to keep him. Get a fecal and a full checkup.

Good luck
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Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com