Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had a red tegu some time ago. I really liked him, though he was not tame and handling felt like a battle for life and death. I bought him as a young adult and he'd never been handled.

Anyhow, I'd like to get another tegu and am wondering which typically have the most ... how should I say it, the sweetest? dispositions? I know they're wild lizards and that being "tame," isn't a trait they are born with...but if which are most known for their ability for being handled?

I have never owned a tegu but I have dreamed of it and researched quite a bit and I'm sure evryone will agree with me when I say get and Argentine black and white. Columbians have unpleasant personalities.

If you really liked your red tegu get another one, but this time get a CB baby. Your aggressive tegu was probably not held much by his previous owner. If you work with a CB red tegu baby they will grow up to be very tame. Argentine B&W's are another good choice. I recommend leaving the food in their cage while your tegu is still asleep in the morning so it doesn't associate you with food.

This is one of my sweethearts after I dug him out of his burrow and brought him in during a hurricane last year. (of course he needed a bath first
Chris

Blue Tegus, in general, also get quite "tame" if handled. Just keep in mind that all tegus have individual personalities regardless of what kind you get. So, you may get one that never tames down. Or, you may get one that tames down with almost no effort.

I have some of each tegu species that are allowed in the pet trade.

Although Colombian Black Tegus and the Gold-Phased version of the Colombian Black make a decent pet for experienced herpers who know what they are and except them for that, most will never be 'tame', only handleable.

The Argentine Black & White Tegu, Argentine Red Tegu & the Blue Tegu are all fairly mellow. They may start into the world a bit jumpy, but they tame down fairly quickly. My opinion is that if you buy any of the three I just listed as a captive bred hatchling, directly from a breeder (Bert, Ron, etc) then you will be getting a good animal to start with. Buying from most 'wholesalers' you generally get an animal that has seldom been handled and quite often they are under fed to keep them small and manageable.

With all that said, out of the tegus I have, my Argentine Black & Whites out number all the rest. I guess I would have to say the Argentine Black & White is my favorite, but I do love them all.

As stated by EA7700, they do all have their own personality, so if you can pick out the tegu in person; pick up a few and see which is most mellow. I like to stick my hand in an enclosure and see which one comes right to me and climbs out onto my arm.

Sincerely,

Rick
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The Tegu Community - theTegu.com

I'm not around here much...how would I get in touch with one of these reputable breeders?

i know ron st. pierre has a website: www.bluetegu.com
good luck!
tristan

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Tristan
1.1 Blood Pythons (Rambo and Medussa)
1.2 Egyptian Uromastyx (Dog, Cleo, Slo Mo)
0.1 Suriname Red Tail Boas (Stoney)
1.0 Argentine Black and White Tegu (Roy)

Bert sells Argentine Black & White Tegus as well as Argentine Red Tegus. Bert has studied these animals in the wild from a scientific aspect and has co-authored a book and released a nice video movie. He is also known for his many, many years of husbandry knowledge.

Bert & Hester's website is http://www.agamainternational.com

Ron specializes in Blue Tegus and the Albino Blue Tegus but also has other species. Ron is not into the scientific aspect of these animals, but is well known for his husbandry knowledge.

Ron & Stella's website is http://www.bluetegu.com

I hope that helps,

Rick
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The Tegu Community - theTegu.com