The Ultimate Tegu Owners Guide: Care, Diet, Health, Behavior, Interacting, and Costs

Tegus are a large, carnivorous lizard native to South America. They are popular pets due to their intelligence, tameness, and impressive size. However, tegus require specialized care to thrive. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about tegu care, from diet and health to behavior and costs.

Tegu Care

Tegus are active lizards that require a spacious enclosure with plenty of room to move around. The enclosure should be at least 6 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 3 feet high. It should be made of a sturdy material, such as wood or metal, and have a secure lid.

Tegus Owners Guide. Tegus care, diet, health, behavior, interacting and costs. Tegus as pets.

by Larry J. Siegel

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The enclosure should be divided into two sections: a warm side and a cool side. The warm side should be maintained at a temperature of 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cool side should be maintained at a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. A heat lamp can be used to provide heat on the warm side, and a thermostat can be used to regulate the temperature.

Tegus also need access to a water bowl large enough to soak in. The water bowl should be changed daily.

Tegu Diet

Tegus are carnivores and their diet should consist primarily of meat. They can eat a variety of meats, including rodents, poultry, fish, and insects. Tegus should also be offered a variety of vegetables and fruits, such as leafy greens, carrots, and berries.

It is important to feed tegus a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need. A good rule of thumb is to offer a variety of foods each week, including both meat and vegetables.

Tegus should be fed once or twice a day, depending on their size and activity level.

Tegu Health

Tegus are generally healthy lizards, but they can be susceptible to a variety of health problems, including:

* Metabolic bone disease * Respiratory infections * Gastrointestinal parasites * Skin infections * Tail rot

It is important to take your tegu to the vet for regular checkups to ensure that they are healthy.

Tegu Behavior

Tegus are intelligent lizards that can learn a variety of tricks. They are also very social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners. Tegus can be trained to walk on a leash, come when called, and even play fetch.

Tegus are also known for their affectionate nature. They enjoy being held and cuddled, and they will often lick their owners as a sign of affection.

Interacting with Tegus

Tegus are not aggressive lizards, but they can be territorial. It is important to respect their space and to avoid any sudden movements that may startle them.

When interacting with your tegu, it is important to be gentle and calm. You should also avoid picking them up from above, as this can make them feel threatened.

Costs of Owning a Tegu

The cost of owning a tegu can vary depending on the size of the lizard, the type of enclosure, and the cost of food and veterinary care. However, you can expect to spend at least $1,000 on the initial setup and care of your tegu.

The following is a breakdown of the average costs of owning a tegu:

* Enclosure: $200-$500 * Heat lamp and thermostat: $50-$100 * Water bowl: $20-$50 * Food: $50-$100 per month * Veterinary care: $100-$200 per year

Tegus are fascinating and rewarding pets. They are intelligent, social, and affectionate animals that can make great companions for experienced reptile owners. However, it is important to do your research before getting a tegu, as they require specialized care to thrive.

By following the tips in this guide, you can provide your tegu with the best possible care and ensure that they live a long and healthy life.

Tegus Owners Guide. Tegus care, diet, health, behavior, interacting and costs. Tegus as pets.

by Larry J. Siegel

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	588 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	112 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE