Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im thinking of getting an Arg B/w but I don't want to get a tegu if im only going to see him for 6 months out of the year. My question is; does the tegu have to hibernate for six months or is three or four months acceptable.

thank you

I believe hibernation is only important for those who plan to breed their tegu. You don't have to hibernate your tegu. If you just want one for the purpose of having it as a pet, I believe if you keep the habitat consitant (IE humidity, temp, etc.) throughout the year, I don't think the tegu has a need to hibernate. I read that you have to significantly drop the temp in order for a tegu to go into hibernation in captivity.

As much as you may not like this answer, here it goes. You have no choice whatsoever whether your tegu hibernates for 3-4 months, 6-7 months, or not at all. Some people have tegus that hibernate for 6 months each year like clock work. Some people keep their temps stable and never have their tegus hibernate. Some will go many years with no hibernation then all of a sudden go under. Just keep in mind that no matter what you do in terms of temps/lighting, if your tegus decides its time to hibernate, he will hibernate. You can't "sweet talk" them out of it or anything! Mine is in brumation right now, kinda deciding whether to hibernate or not. He comes out for a few hours a day. He is still eating like a pig, so I hope he decides to not hibernate, but like I said, I can only cross my fingers.

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-Bill

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0.0.1 Argentine Black and White Tegu

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