Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need some advice on what to do, I have a 4' long glass tank that became the new home for my Tegu a few months ago and pretty much ever since I got it he does this. Every morning I am woken up to the sounds of him relentlessly digging in the same corner when though there is no substrate there (because he got rid of it), it's always the same thing, just digging and digging, pushing his nose into the corner like he expects to go somewhere. He does this for hours, and then when i push the substrate back or even if I don't, it's the same thing the next day. Even more lately, he's also been standing up in the tank trying to jump through the screen top.

I'm concerned because I"m afraid he might hurt himself, and a little sleep deprived from being woken up every morning. Please if anyone can help me on this it would be really appreciated.

Which kind of tegu is it, and how old is it? All young tegus are hyperactive, especially colombians. If his environment isn't just perfect he will get even more desperate to get out and find someplace that does meet his needs. Check your temperature gradient. There should be one side of the cage where he can cool down and one side where he can warm up. Also make sure he has a water container big enough to swim in. They also need a hideout where they can be in complete darkness and privacy. Check the corner where he is always digging. Does it face someplace a tegu would like to go like a sunny window or a large piece of furniture where he can hide? If so try obstructing his view. This may sound silly, but try to think like a tegu. If you were in his cage what would you change? Hope this helps.

He's an Argentine B&W and is about 10 months old. He does have a cool side and a warm side with a black hide box closer to the cool side. The cool side is about 85 degrees, and the warm side 100 degrees. I give him a bath every week, but I'll make room for a swimming spot. In his old tank the cool side was where his warm spot is now and vice versa, but adjusted to that aside from the digging. The corner he digs in does face a window so I'll try blocking it from site. Thanks very much! I'll try those things.

My Ar. B&W is 24" and is very active the same time every day. Lucky for me it is around 4-5pm every day. I have Tegu proofed half my apartment and let him have free roam. I have hard wood floors so i don't have to worry about his toes getting caught in the carpet.