Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I read all these posts about people taking thier Tegus outside and housing them outside. I am just curiouse as to how hot is too hot? I live in El Paso Texas, our daytime temps in the summer will hit triple digits. I think today it was only about 99. I would still bring them in at night and I would not keep them outdoors permanently as there are stray cats and dogs everywhere I am paranoid sorry. But if I built an enclosure so they could hang out outside with me during the day would it be too hot for them? also both of my teg's freak when they get outside they just want to run. any help would be very appreciated thank you.

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Beau W.

where did you buy your tegu?
Be careful about bringig them outside...I'm never doing it again (ok at least not THIS year).
My poor Rocco almost got lost and definately got hurt
She's doing good now but, it could have been MUCH worse!!!!

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NiCoLe RuSSeLL

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

I got both of my tegu's from a local pet store they have a 4 foot columbian b&w as a store maskot they have never done me wrong in fact they have floated me things on credit if a bulb broke a few days before payday etc. they gave me the blue at about $80.00 with full setup since she is blind in one eye. and my columbian b&w they also gave me a good deal on. They do ship if you would like thier number or something give me a shout.
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Beau W.

Nah that's ok I have a breeder...the reason I asked is I was going to tell you to ask the breeder how the animal was kept before you got him. For example I got my tegus at agama so I asked Bert excatly how they were kept there and tried, to the best of my ability to replicate that.
Like I said I'm gunshy with tegus outdoors now so ....
As far as heat I would think it would be ok as long as the animal had several feet to bury in a moist substrate so they could thermoregulate.
Just be Careful!
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NiCoLe RuSSeLL

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

Thanks Nicole for the words of wisdom I will definatly work with them. I am also worried about the great outdoors since I have seen how fast these little guys are if they jump and run indoors. You got all yours from Agama? I believe I have seen pics of your tegus on here before. I hope you have a great weekend. I will miss being able to talk to you all I have to leave for about 3 months in Sept. but when I get back I will jump right back on. Take care and have a great day.
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Beau W.

Hi there Beau! 99 is too hot for a constant temp., plus the cage (depending on type-if wood, etc) would be like an oven.

The median temp should be around 85; basking temp approx 110, plus a cool area or shaded area around 75 degress. The hide spots typcially are placed in the cool area.

Tegus that are not use to being outdoors will naturally freak out! This is an instinct to run for a protective area.
Rex & Tamika just mosey around and lay out in the open, yet the younger ones will immediately look for cover unless they are being held. Phoenix our juvie blue male is relaxed a bit too.
I beleive it takes patience and work to make them feel safe.
It also depends on the individual tegu. If there animal instincts kick in and they are aware of potential predators (as you noted: cats and stray dogs) being around, this will hinder and progress. Tegus have a keen sense of smell to help them with this built-in protective factor.

Thanks for the pic and good luck!

Thank you so much for the message. I have been trying to take them out for around 10 to 15 minutes a day in the evening when it cools down a bit. I have built a temporary screen enclosure for them to lounge in with hopes to make a more permanent one shortly. I used screen so they could feel the breeze we get in the afternoons, and also I figured anything else would be too hot. Half my enclosure is in full shade the other half is out in the sun, so they would have a choice. With yours did you just keep working with them till they got comfortable outside? Thank you again for your help.
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Beau W.

Yes, well actually our B&W's were acclimated to the outdoors a bit with their previous owner, so that was a bit plus. The juvies gradually progressed with some work. We would take them out on warm days for 10-20 minutes per day and their fear has subsided considerably. A good avenue to take is to hold them or let them lay on your shoulder outside, which ever THEY prefer. Mostly likely they will choose the later. Do not force them to the ground, as time progresses ease the mto the ground. For example, leave them on your shoulder and knee, then sit, etc. This may seem like baby steps, however if tegus are forced to soon, they will rebel towards you and become skittish, the nit creates work to pick up lost ground prior to your attempts at acclimating the mto the outdoors.

Your enclosure sounds great with the screen!

Keep up the terrific work Beau and with patience they should come around for you! The key is to make them feel safe!
Remember, the outdoors is a new environment for them with different appearances, humidty levels, lighting, and most of all scents.

Take care!

Greg

Hey Greg thank you for the tips. I have been trying to work with these guys for about 15 minutes a day. Some days though due to work I do not get to. I also want to know if tegus will remember you. Unfortunatly I have to leave for about 3 months. My wife and kids will be here to take care of the critters but I have kindof a special bond with my blue. She will actually run across the tank to come up to my hand just to have me rub her chin. I just hope she will not forget me. Well thank you for the tips I will put them into place. Take care and have a good weekend
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Beau W.