Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a female black and white argentine tegu that I rescued and I just built a custom cage that is 6 feet long by 2 feet wide and 3 feet high. My local pet shop told me this would be suitable since she is a female and they are usually smaller then males. I have been reading and it says 6x3x3. If i take her out everyday will she be okay?

While the 6x3 would be ideal, you'll have to see how the 6x2 works for you. Taking her out a few times a week (daily is awesome) for free-roaming and exercise time would definitely help to stimulate her and may keep her from getting restless in her cage. If she feels constricted, she may rub her claws down scratching at the door or start rubbing her nose.

I have a male that is over 4 feet long and nearly 20 pounds. A bigger cage is always better (herpers are always saying that because it's nearly always true). My tegu is in a cage that is much too small for him. It is the only thing that he has yet to break out -litterally BREAK - of. BUT: I do take him out regularly for baths and strolling around the house. AND from May until yesterday he is in an 10 X 6 outdoor pen that has logs and a pool and all the digging that he can handle.

Tegus are soooo cool that you'll want to take her out often. I'm sure that she'll be fine. THink about an outdoor pen - not just for the extra space - but so that your animal can get REALL UVs and dig, sniff, investigate and in all other ways express her tegu-ness.

Good luck,

Brian
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Brian

"The Earth was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children."

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