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[LizardLover]

Hi Guys!

I am planning on purchasing an Argentine Black and White Tegu (still haven't decided whether to go for the Chacoan White Headed or not) from Bert at Agama International sometime after the clutches hatch in July.

I have just a few questions.

First of all, only $50 for an Argentine B&W Tegu hatchling?? (I was expecting to pay a bit more.) Do the prices increase as they get older or something?

Second, I was wondering if there are any apecific sizes of food that I need to feed or that I need to avoid and if larger prey can cause problems? (Was just wondering because I know that you have to be careful about the size of crickets fed to baby beardies.)

Third, I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips for constructing a large cage for when she reaches her adult size? I currently have a 25 gallon and a 40 gallon tank, and although I realize that a really large enclosure will not be immediately necessary, I'd rather get started on it so that I can have it ready and "perfected" by the time that she's ready for it.

I plan to let her free-roam in my bedroom when she gets large enough, but of course she still needs some type of enclosure. I am planning on making one for indoors as well as another one for outdoors.
The problem is that all of the plans for large cages that I can find are designed for green iguanas, which are arboreal lizards. I know that Argentine B&W Tegus are terrestrial lizards, and I want to make sure that I build her a large, safe enclosure that she'll be happy in, and since she's not arboreal, it doesn't make any sense for me to build that type of cage for her.
(I keep saying her, but really I'm just keeping my fingers crossed. Anyone have any idea how well Bert can actually probe those little "guys" that young?)
Of course, I could just let my creative juices flow and hopefully I'd come up with something okay, but of course I would really, really appreciate any ideas, tips, or especially pics of what you guys might be keeping your large terrestrial lizards in. (Especially since I hear that these guys are master escape artists! ha)

Another reason I'm starting to construct this enclosure way before she'll be ready for it is because I don't want money to be an issue. If I start now I'll have time to save and time to finish it by the time she gets big enough to need it. So the cost of making it isn't really that big of an issue. So whatever you can suggest, I'd be more than happy to hear it!

I'd really, really appreciate any tips, pics, whatever that anyone could provide or suggest in order to make make sure that my 'gu gets a great, terrestrial home!

Thanks!