Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I decided to take the tegus outside for some sun...this is only the second time I have taken them out and one flipped out...jumped out of my hands and got loose. Took a long time but I captured her, but not before her tail broke.
Aside from some first aid help for the tail, I want to know what I'm doing wrong as far as putting them outside. When the sun hits them they turn into vampires. They don't seem to enjoy being in the outdoor cage at all.
Is the trip to the deck (me holding them) scaring them as well?
Any suggestions?


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NiCoLe RuSSeLL

"Cross a line enough times and after a while it ceases to exist"

I'm sorry to hear about your incident outside - it just goes to show you how much you can't always assume your animal's behavior. My old water dragon used to do that. She was sweet as could be, but as soon as I brought her outside, it was like she didn't know me, would whip at me, etc. I think the reason is (as someone posted recently), it overloads their senses - they're used to a small environment and all of a sudden have a whole world in front of them. My theory is that there is so much natural stimuli outdoors (the air, wind, smells, plants, real sunlight), that it brings them back to their "wild" state. That would explain why they don't like their outdoor enclosure. The guy who told me this theory many years ago suggested to open a window in the house near the cage, and let the scents and fresh air come inside. See if they act any differently.
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-reptilian9

My waterdragons really seem to love it outside...the tegus seem a bit petrified.
What I'm concerned about is her tail rightnow....any suggestions?
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NiCoLe RuSSeLL

"Cross a line enough times and after a while it ceases to exist"

Tegus and even my baby box turtle go crazy when they go outside. The reason is because like stated before there are so many stimuli that make them act like they do (smell, and especially natural UV from the sun). They want to be free not enclosed in a cage (too bad for them). You can definitely get them used to going outside. If you animal is wild in his cage, I would not even bother because they will get more wild outside of it. But if it is relatively tame in its cage then you can probably get them used to going outside. I would definitely put them out in a box or something (half in shade) so they get used to the sunlight, or maybe enclose an area for them. In time they should acclimate so that they know that the backyard is also one big giant cage.

Mike

I read in a book that it's the natural uv itself that causes this.
In an experiment: a lizard was given natural unfiltered sunlight and became noticable agitated and under went a personality change. A sheet of glass was put between the sun and the same lizard....and within a few hours (like24) the animal went back to normal.
In any case, it doesn't make me feel safe about going outside with them anymore for any reason.
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NiCoLe RuSSeLL

"Cross a line enough times and after a while it ceases to exist"

i had the similar problem with Taz when he was younger/smaller. when they see/feel the sun they're instincts kick in. as small tegus their instincts are telling them you're a big predator and to get away at any costs. as they get bigger they become more calm outside. not trying to be too rude. but bringing a lizard outside unrestrained or not in a pen of some sort is just not smart. now i can see no leash on a lizard you KNOW wont run away. but if you didn't know, its just not smart. you must think of these kinds of things. what would you do if you didn't catch your tegu? since his tail is gone make sure he ALWAYS has a source of FRESH water, and feed him/her as MUCH as she will eat. it depends on where the break is. but the tail is obviously where the fat is stored. with it gone. you must keep him/her eating and drinking. as they wont have as much fat to feed off of if they dont eat.
feel free to ask away will help as much as i can

I was bringing her to a pen...on the deck...I went from the sliding door to the pen, which was about 5 feet. I'm not bringing either of them outside anymore, but I was only trying to do something good....they way I do with the Waterdragons.
I had a good hold on her but I guess a "good" hold on a tegu is imaginary. I am new at this so go easy. I did admit to being "stupid" in my first post but I didn't post here to be bashed.

But thanks for the advice...I'm really upset about this whole thing
How is Taz?
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NiCoLe RuSSeLL

"Cross a line enough times and after a while it ceases to exist"

Hey Nicole,

Sorry about the incident. I didn't see that anyone addressed your concerns about the tail loss.

I would recommend covering the wound with bacitracin ointment, wrapping in gauze and securing with medical tape. If the animal soaks, you will want to change the gauze, but using this strategy should keep the wound clean. Wound should be ok to leave uncovered in about 10 days.

I was also told to leave it be as it would in nature. She has been buried since the incident so I checked on her this morning. She was scared enough but seemed ok other then that. I will keep track of the tail and see how it improves. If anything I did get the number for a decent vet (hopefully better then the one I had)....so if I run into complications at least I could try and get him to come here.....

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NiCoLe RuSSeLL

"Cross a line enough times and after a while it ceases to exist"