Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone tell me if Tegus thrive better in a pair or group or on their own? My darling husband has consented to allow yet another herp in the house. I have researched the "stuff" out of the tegus and must say I am in love. We are looking into picking at least one up (probably this weekend or next - it's my birthday!!) and if they fare well as a group, we will get more. We are building one cage, and can easily change dimensions if needed. I should also mention that it was this forum that kind of sealed the deal. Everyone here seems very knowledgeable and nice. That said, if any of the smart and kind people here would be willing to help out a Tegu newbie, she would be GREATLY appreciative!

Lady Stefanie

Hi Lady Stefanie I'm glad you decided on a tegu. Of course I'll try to help out in any way I can. In regards to whether they thrive better in a group or solitary; I would say solitary. In fact I've heard that when there are 2 tegus together sometimes one (smaller) won't eat as much because it feels intimidated by the other one. That being said I have 2 tegus kept together and they get along well, I've never seen them fight or anything. They don't seem to enjoy each others company either though. Often times one of them on the basking site will move when the other comes over. Sometimes one will get up for awhile then go to sleep then the other one will get up later. It is nice that way because I get to spend more time with them.

I agree. I have a red/blue cross and a red. They were housed separately. When I put them together they became more social with each other and with me. I thought I researched my choices to death before I bought. With what I know now I would go with two reds (rufiscens) or two Argentine (merinae). The breeders mentioned are very reputable. I would add Ryan Blakley at Walter's World of Pets in Lubbock, TX. Enjoy the search.

I've found that having two tegus was better, because they were both more relaxed. And i would recommend getting them both at once so that you can compare their eating, growth, and hibernation habits to ascertain whether anything problematic is occouring to one. In other words, if one is eating well and the other doesn't at all, that one may need to see a vet. Or if they both are very lethargic and sleepy in December, you can relax knowing it's probably just a hibernation behavior. Besides, two is just so much cuter than one. they will hang out and on eachother. Plus, there will not be a huge size discrepancy, allowing one to eat the other if they are in the same area.

A Tegu, or two or three, is a wonderful choice. I keep most of my Tegus in pairs but have one young group of 3 that consists of 2 Blues and a Red...all female. I've only had a problem once with a pair that was together for 7 months then presented a problem at feeding time. This can be prevented by feeding separately out of the enclosure.
I think that you'll be very happy with Tegus and I'm glad that you find our little forum helpful. It is one of the "nicer" forums here at KS.

Thank you all so much for your help!! I spoke to the hubby about this and he advised that we should see how well WE get on with one before we try to add too much to the menagerie. We are currently looking for a new, bigger home to house us, our daughter, 3 cats, one python, and various other reptiles. So, it looks like a single tegu for the time being. I was not silly enough (this time) to swear that I would never ask for another herp if I could just have this ONE, so I should be able to work that to my advantage before too long. Are there any pearls of wisdom anyone feels like adding that I might not have thought of? I try very hard to make sure I have a really good idea of what's expected of me and what kind of time and financial investment I will have to make BEFORE I go out and obtain any animals, but I always have that nagging fear that I missed something and it will end badly. Goodness! I've gone on a bit. Thank you all again. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone has to say.

Lady Stefanie

I beleive most have covered everything for you and there are super people here to help.........Jane (jiffypop, rollin, Russ, Kevin, and list goes on. I didn't want to short anyone........but I know I have)

Ease them/it into their routine and let it adjust before attempting to handle it too much. A tame juvie always seem a bit easier for first time tegu owners. It is always nice to try to feed newcomers what they are familiar to in the beginning, as well as substrate used at their prior home. This will make the acclimation period shifter and an easier adjustment for them.
Additionally, when you do get a 2nd, or 3rd, or 4th (Just foreseeing the future a bit ) it is a good idea to quarantine the new ones for approx 3-4 weeks before placing them together. This is also a good time to clean the cage completely when placing them together with an existing one. Currently we have 6 (one's a baby yet)........we keep a 1.1 B&W (Rex & Tamika)pair together w/ a red female (Ruby), then a 1.0 blue juive (Phoenix)w/ a female red juvie (Ozzy-the previous owners thought she was a he). Ruby will join this pair after I place the finishing touches on their new cage. There will be a female blue in the works too in the near future.

Good luck!!!

Greg

this pic is dated a few months the blue with the regrown tail was a male as well, so he went to a good home. Ozzy boogies from the pic beforehand.

Greg