Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
Is there any way to keep the tegu's from hibernating or at least not so long?
Seem to be getting mixed reviews on this topic.
Thanks!

Not really. Tegus are VERY DIFFERENT than most reptiles, in that if they want to hibernate, they are going to hibernate--regardless of temperature or light manipulation. I've had MVB lighting at 100 degrees and had tegus hibernate. In my experience, in a tegu's first year, you CAN have some success and preventing or shortening hibernation, but there are no guarantees. Tegus that have been hibernated in the past seem more apt to continue that practice.

Thanks....
Its the hibernating thing thats probably keeping me from owning one.....dam...such cool anilmals but I dont want a family member sleeping on me for months!!!
Bryan

Well, it's a matter of perspective. When you factor in the cost of food and power (and quality bulbs/substrate, etc...), a lot of people like the 3-5 month break they get. I totally understand where you're coming from--for me, the benefits of having the animals outweighed the costs of maintaining them. But, they are SUCH great animals, that even though they hibernate, they are TOTALLY worth it. I've kept just about every type of reptile imaginable in 20 years and tegus are, without question, HANDS-DOWN, the greatest, most redeeming reptile I've owned. I certainly would NEVER let the fact that they hibernate come between me owning one. Why have an animal that's half-as cool all of the time when you could have an animal that's twice as cool 75% of the time (or potentially more)?

I like the break. It goes right along with my snowboard season. If you want a tegu that doesn't brumate or just one that doesn't go out so hard, look into columbians or blues as opposed to the Argentinian alternatives.

I would DEFINITELY opt for a blue over a columbian, ANY day. ANY tegu but a columbian...they have a very deserved reputation for being very difficult, aggressive pets. Of course, there are people who have had occasional successes--but, they are few and far between. A red, a blue, and argentine b/w, an extreme giant...all good choices.

Getting a columbian would be nothing like having one of the others I mentioned--two totally different worlds.

Ok so technically there are three species of Tupinambis (tegus) in the American reptile trade. T. Teguixin (Columbians), T. Rufescens (red tegu), T. Marianae (Argentine black and white, extreme giant, Chacoan giant, blue...).

There are plenty of people who love their columbians. Just like there are plenty of people that love their Varanids (monitor lizards). What are you looking to get out of your captives? What do you consider success? Are Columbians aggressive or are they being defensive? Do your research and know what your getting into.

If you want something that curls up to you and loves you get a dog.

Good luck,

Chris

Thanks everyone...
looks like a few people have red/whites right now.....according to classifieds,
Bryan