Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey Guys,

I built an outdoor enclosure for my Arg. B&W Tegu (see below).
He is about 9-10 months old, about 3 feet long and five pounds.
I got him from Bert. He grew like a weed all winter while
kept indoors.

Since he's been outdoors there was a settling in period and then
the winter that wouldn't die. Now he has been in there for 2-3
months and the weather has been hot (80's ) for about
2 1/2 weeks now.

He just doesn't seem to eat outdoors. He hasn't touched the
quail or chicken eggs or bananas. I'm going to try mice
again, but if he does not eat them I'll be at a loss.

Any thoughts guys?

Thanks,

Brian

Why don't you just bring him back inside? BTW your picture says he was born Augest 1 2003 which isn't for a month still.

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Hey Rollin,

I am in MA as well, and just received an available list from Bert. Elvis looks great. I believe I saw an earlier post regarding your enclosure - a farming cold frame is that right? Incredible set up.

Try mice, nightcrawlers, anything to see if you can get him on feed. If he still hasn't eaten within another week, it is probably wisest to take him back indoors. If the hunger strike persists, a run to the vet is probably in order.

Have you noticed any change in the animals disposition since putting him outdoors?

Realized I just addressed my reply to the wrong person ...
apologies bast.

Wouldn't have picked it up had I not seen Rollin's post about his tegu Taz.

Great choice on getting your tegu from Bert. I defiantly recommend him. I like how his B&W tegus look; they have a lot of white. I was really impressed with his friendly attitude and he responded to my E-mails quickly and even went further then just answering the questions. That's where Taz came from btw.

Your Tegu is not eating because he is not getting enough heat. Okay so its 80s during the day (still not enough that should be around the temp of your cold part)..so what about night? I'm guessing that there is a good 20 degree drop at night bringing it down to 60ish, makring him want to go into hibernation. He is not digesting his food properly and that is why he is not eating. I suggest you put a heat lamp outside to give him a basking spot, that should help for the day...maybe putting two heat lamps at lower temps during the night as well...should be around 80 at night.
Thanks,
Mike

Temperature is measured in the shade. So 85 in the shade would
be quite higher on a rock in the sun. During the winter, in my
house the night time temps fell to the mid sixties.

I will keep you ideas in mind and I thank you for them. But
I'm not sure that he's too cold.

Thank you,

Brian

a good temp gun takes the guess work out of it. get a reading on surface temps on a basking rock as well as in the hide day and night. what was the temp of the basking spot on the indoor cage?you might want to throw a heating pad in the hide...? also make sure your humidity is high. Have you tried roaches yet?
what was the temp of the basking spot on the indoor cage?
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Bennett
www.beardiedragon.com