Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK guys (and gals) Help me out here. My name is John, I live in Las Vegas. I have kept and still do keep many snakes and other assorted critters, and I've always wanted to some day keep a Black and White Tegu. It's the ONLY critter I've ever got that I didn't study thorough befor buying. I'm torn, get rid of it,keep it? To be honest (after reading some posts) it seems like I have no business having this animal. Here's my problem now... I love this thing, it's the most interactive, personalbe coolest thing I've ever had. I think its gonna be like a dang dog. So anyway...I want to try and keep it but I need to see pics, lots of pics of your indoor environments. I spend a lot of time and money making very nice setups for all my critters, I can do this one to if you guys would help me out here. I need it all, advice, daily routines etc...

Thanx, JohnNLV

John,

You didn't say how big your tegu is now. If it is already an adult you will need a large enclosure. Probably the easiest to do is build one. My red Tegu male is in a 9 1/2 by 3 by 3 foot enclosure I built. If you draw up some plans, you can get the big cuts made at Home Depot and other places. Get 2 by 2's and 2 by 4's to put in the corners and front. I used sliding glass for the front of mine. I don't know how to post pictures. Go back through the posts there are several discussions and pictures. Some are prety simple, others are furniture grade.

Mike B

John,

Where abouts in Vegas? I'm Henderson area around Boulder n Gibson. Currently have 3 b/w arg. 2 b/w col. and a red arg.
Why would you want to get rid of yours if he's so personable and you're so attached? Enclosure is pretty cost efficient. I'm working on mine, in my master bedroom.

I live at Blue Diamond and Decatur. I have decided to keep it, I just need to figure out a decent environment now.

JohnNLV

John,

First I suppose, you weigh out how much you will want to invest.
Think about your enclosure, if you want it simple, or display type. Consider how much time your tegu will spend in its enclosure. All care sheets on tegus agree on what you should have, so that's not too controversial. Next step is just spending the time and money to set it all up.