Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,
I have been thinking about getting a Argentine B&W Tegu for a while now. I have had a savannah monitor for years and when mine passed away I still kept the nice large cage I built for him. I have been doing research on the tegus but as I'm sure you all know, there is a lot of information out there and I know not all of it may be correct or recommended. I have always come to these kingsnake forums for most of my reptile information, so I figured I would ask you experts as well for your opinions!

First off, is there one agreed-upon caresheet out there that has 100% correct information on how to take care of them? All the right temps, humidity, diet requirements, etc?

Second, and I know tegus are different than monitors, but are they ok without UVB like monitors are? or should I pick up a mercury vapor? I see most care sheets say they do need the UVB but I just want to make sure.

Thanks for any information!

>>First off, is there one agreed-upon caresheet out there that has 100% correct information on how to take care of them? All the right temps, humidity, diet requirements, etc?
>>
>>Second, and I know tegus are different than monitors, but are they ok without UVB like monitors are? or should I pick up a mercury vapor? I see most care sheets say they do need the UVB but I just want to make sure.
>>
>>Thanks for any information!

No, I don't think there is one agreed upon caresheet with 100% correct info! Everyone picks everything apart and has issues with different details.

Studies have been done on Savs that demonstrates that they an adequately absorb dietary Vit D as efficiently as providing a UV. Other studies have been done on green igs that demonstrate herbivorous reptiles cannot absorb dietary Vit D. No such studies have been done on tegus and since they are omnivores, do not fall into either category. Most serious keepers advise both dietary Vit D in the form of a powder supplement or fish oil plus a UV. As long as the dietary supplement is not grossly overdosed, both are fine.

There are many cases of hypocalcemia reported in tegu husbandry, so it seems to be "better safe than sorry" until more info is made available. Along with Vit D in whatever form, adequate calcium must be available as well.

As for care sheets there are not too many that are 100% correct but there are tw major tegu fourms that people rely on and has good info.

Tegutalk.com is run by Varnyard (bobby) who is one of the top breeders of B and W tegus.

Thetegu.com is run by Rick Sisco who is also a great breeder of tegus.

I tend to hang more on tegutalk just becuase alot of the old tegu owners are on there, there was a split between bobby and rick and well now there are two sites. Both are great for info though.

As for the UV, get a MVB or for a younger tegu get a florence strip light. Yes savies dont really need UVB but i've seen so many tegus suffer from MBD its not funny and unlike iggies it tends to affect them more nurologically which they dont recover from very well. Als dont give vit d3, no one knows the correct does and this could be a lead reason as to why so many tegus have problems from hypercalimic...

so check ut the sites i recomended and u can chat to some great tegu owners. This site doesnt get many hits so it takes a while to get responses.

Oh ya tegus are great pets, just warning u get one you'll end up with another.