Reptile & Amphibian Forums

In terms of overall handleability, hardiness and ease of care?

I'm considering an Argentine Tegu, Savannah Monitor, Blackthroat, or a Green or Rhino or Rock iguana.

I don't want anything extremely huge like a nile or water monitor, but something that is a good sized lizard but can easily be handled.

I am 100% bias, but I would say a tegu.

I have had mine for almost 6 years now and I do not regreat it. He is like a puppy dog and sometimes sleeps with my dogs. I can have him out on a leash, kids petting him and crowds don't seem to bother him.

Is yours a red or bw? I went to a herp store today and crossed black throat monitors off my list....too big! Tegus seem a good size tho

I have a blue who I have had the longest, he is just a hair shy of 4 feet long and weighs in at about 6lbs.

I also have a female black and white who is about 3 and a half feet long. I don't know her history too well, I have had her for a few months now and she is just a doll.

Both my tegus get along great with each other.

Tegus are a lot of fun, and a bit of work. Compared to the other lizards on your list though they are a good starter into large/giant lizards.

>>In terms of overall handleability, hardiness and ease of care?
>>
>>I'm considering an Argentine Tegu, Savannah Monitor, Blackthroat, or a Green or Rhino or Rock iguana.
>>
>>I don't want anything extremely huge like a nile or water monitor, but something that is a good sized lizard but can easily be handled.

I would say a nice captive bred tegu. I have dealt with the other species as rescues or with Cyclura, as pets. All are quite a challenge. A Tegu is a great stepping stone to start moving into the large stuff, IMHO
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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
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I have to agree. Tegus are some of the nicest of the large lizards. They are smart, curious, and make great pets if you are looking for a large lizard.