Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Any thoughts here, I have an Arg. B&W tegu now not ready to get back into monitors just yet, but wil at some point. Anyone kept or keep both?

I have had a Dumeril now for 5 months (he is 14" long 7 months old) and a B&W for 3 weeks (he is 18" 6 months) so I am no expert but I will give you my observations on these two individual lizards and a little of what I have read.

The Dumeril constantly hides which at this age and size I suppose that is what he is supposed to do. When I pull him out of one of his burrows he will give me a little attitude but dose not seem to be threatened by me once he is out. He will eat in front of me anywhere I happen to feed him.

The B&W is always a little upset when I first pick him up but every day he seems to be less upset. On the Tegu forum I have seen people say they are more intelligent yet other say they are just lazier. I can not confirm either but will say my B&W seems much more tolerant.

To paint with a general brush which is not good to do, it seems from what I have read and experienced in my short time with both the Tegu may become domesticate better or faster for whatever reason then a Monitor. Also from what I have read the Dumeril is supposed to be one of the easy going monitors but my B&W is far more laid back. I wouldn't trade the Dumeril for anything however the interaction with my B&W is much more pet like in the cat and dog sense.

I keep Monitors and Tegus and find them both interesting and rewarding to keep. I like the Tegus because they are easy to interact with, make great educational animals, and breed quite easily. I also think they are very pleasing to look at. As far as husbandry goes, they are not alot different than monitors and, in my experience, more forgiving of mistakes than most monitors. The biggest drawback is that they can hibernate for up to 6 months out of the year. That helps with keeping feeding costs down but is a drag if you like to interact with your pets. Also, when awake, they can eat you out of house and home!!
I enjoy the monitors for the amusement they provide with their intelligence and activity. I'm not saying that Tegus aren't intelligent but they don't seem to apply it like the monitors do.