Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sobek, my AB&W tegu has recenetly started something odd I was hoping someone may have a suggestion about. He's approx 10" STV and free roams in my bedroom. The staple of his diet consists the ground turkey recipe, and I throw in fuits, crickets and pinkies for variety. Since I've had him, he's always eaten out of a terra-cotta saucer dish type thing, so he knows when that hits the floor its time for food. He's extremely mellow and tame. Recently though, he's developed this thought that my toes look like food (turkey bits, or pinkies maybe?)!! If I forget to put socks on as soon as I come in my room he'll chase my toes around. He did get a nice bite in one day when I wasn't quick enough with the socks. Even though he acts like a dog, I know he's very far from one, so I'm not sure how I can teach him that my toes are NOT food!? I'd hate to have him keep this habbit when he's full grown and have me loose a toe :-o! So basically, does anyone have any ideas on how I can brake this bad habbit of his?

Thanks so much, sorry for being long winded :-p
~Caietaro

Ouch! I've only had this problem with one juvie a while back. Tegus react on their sense of smell. One though is if you have any other animals in your home, mainly a cat, or rodents (rat, rabbit,etc). The scent from these animals could be of course on your bare feet.

On avenue to break this habit of course is not to go bare footed. :0) One way that has worked is behaviroal therapy (so-to speak). You need to teach him that your toes are not food. At his age/size this is the time to do it. You can hold him by your feet and if he does go after them as food, restrain him firmly and pull him back-away from your tootsies, saying No. Kind of like training a dog. This has even worked with mine climbing where they shouldn't, etc. It has been very effective. Tegus are highly intelligent (well regarding lizards). My tegus have never went after our cats, etc based on this technique. One sub-adult red male we have will attempt to go after a ferret, though is learning not too now. The cats, dogs, etc are very safe and he has free roam most of the day.

Good luck!!!

Greg

Another thing I've personally had success with it something smelly, assuming your feet arent . You could try a strong smelling lotion, but make sure there isnt anything weird in it that could cause stomach upset if ingested. You should only need a little and the smell will make him think twice. You could try natural things like vinegar or rubbing alcohol or something. Good luck, my tegu doesnt go after MY feet anymore, but he likes to scare my roomie!
-Beth