Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I recently moved Morpheus (nickname Trogdor) to his final cage, a large 8 ft cage. He has his caves, basking spot, run around place, and about 1-1.5 ft substrate. He was fine the first few days, eating and everything. He is still eating well for me, he is just getting a little more aggressive than I would like. I know now not to dig him up when hes under the substrate because that REALLY ticks him off. I usually will pick him up when he is on his basking platform. He gets really runny, and semi-whips and small "breatheout"hisses (no open mouth or full tail whips). When he is out, I support his whole body, and sometimes he will sit for a little, but majority of the time he will start running through my hands and flicking his tail to get out and if he does end up on the ground he will NOT want to be picked up. I understand not to let him boss me around, but any other tips?

David (PS he is about 3.5 ft, almost yr old)
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David and Kevin

KDRKreatures.com
Exotic Reptile Breeders - Specializing in Bearded Dragons

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I think this has something to with the new cage and the related stress...although ussually mature tegus don't stress much about anything. All my tegus tolerate and even enjoy petting, but none of them really like to be picked up. Its just thier biology...they are not climbing animals and they just don't like being off the ground

Be persistant, you're right not to let the tegu "boss you around" they are very smart and will learn quickly how to get themselves put down if let them. Do you feed outside the cage? I've personally found that makes a big difference in aggression. Not only does it cure the "feeding response" issue - most of my tegus will literally run into my arms when I open the cages because they know I'm going to bring them to the food .

Good Luck

Thanks - Thats what I read about them not liked being picked up. I feed inside the cage, but it is through a trap door like thing. I open a door from the side, and as I pull it forward another platform covers the hole, I set the rat in the bowl there, and close. That way anyone can feed the guy without problems. Any other suggestions?
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David and Kevin

KDRKreatures.com
Exotic Reptile Breeders - Specializing in Bearded Dragons

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wow almost a year old and 3.5 feet. What kind of tegu is this? What size tank was it in before. What is your feeding schedule? My ARg b&w is almost a year and is only like 22 inches i believe. Took him into the store awhile ago and the guy told me it was big for its age.