Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a red tegu that is supposedly 18 months old. Today was the first day I took him out to handle him. He calmed down for the most part after a short time. I took him outside for some sun.

Even with the gloves and a long sleeve shirt his nails tore me up! I don't need gloves when handling my savannah monitor who is considerably larger than Fluffy (the tegu).

I was surprised and encouraged by how much he did calm down and he didn't seem inclined to bit at all.

Here's my idea. If I take him out every other day or so for some sunshine I'm thinking he'll eventually calm down and be tame. What do you think?

the more time you're around the tegu the better. it will definately accept you over time it's just getting used to you.

From what I've read your lucky things didn't go worse outside. Most tegus get afraid because they spend their entire life in a enclosed area when they're brought out in the open they get overwhelmed, you know they're kind of security freaks. Don't get me wrong I think he'll get used to it if you keep at it. Consider yourself lucky he didn't drop his tail or totally freak out on you. I think I'm going to try putting my tegus in a pet carrier the fist few times I bring him out to ease the shock.