question about tegus

[el_nico]

do tegus make good pets and are they easier the same or harder to take care of then rtb ? they seem pretty interesting so i think i should learn about them

[blkcrochunter]

If you get a tegu try to get a red or a blue, they seem to be more docile. If its going to be a black and white or gold, get it very young. I had a gold tegu about 2 months and he was more violent them some pitbulls I have known. I had to give him away, if you looked at him to long he threw a fit. I have a sav right now, and he definately has more personality than my snakes. When young they need more care than a snake does. Before you get one do tons of reseach, because their needs are different from rtbs. Ask nicole russel she seems to know alot about lizards.

[ann0306]

There are two types of black and whites: columbian or argentine. The columbians have rotten dispositions, but I'd give my eye teeth for a argentine tegu. They are big, beautiful, intelligent lizards.

I will now back out and wait for the expert.

[NicoleRussell]

Originally Posted by el_nico

do tegus make good pets and are they easier the same or harder to take care of then rtb ? they seem pretty interesting so i think i should learn about them

If you have a choice, go with an argentine black and white chacoan male. They are large, beautiful, smart and docile. Mine is going to my daughter Olivia's preschool in a couple of weeks for pet week. He will be wearinga little Tshirt to make him less imposing for the little ones---and what a doll.
If your short on space go with a blue. You get a great lizard that won't get too large.
Reds are great but might produce some bad sheds---they need a tad more humidity and some extra vitamin c in their diet if you want a very healthy animal.
I will always sware by the BW large argentines. I have two and they are just a pleasure to keep.
They need a lot of room---they eat ALOT in the spring and the summer....they poop alot during this time too. Your lighting will be expensive next to your boa--as will you food bill. There will be no going away for a weekend without a babysitter....it's a commitment.
You just can't compare lizards to snakes---it's all vvery different.

[el_nico]

oh okay. Which type would be best for someone who hasnt had experience with this type of lizard. And how much more heat does it need than boas ?

thanks

[NicoleRussell]

They need a basking spot of at least 110---120 is a good choice. They can ge all their daytime heat with MVB on a flat paver or rock.

[TheOtherAndy]

The care of large carnivorous lizards simply doesn't compare AT ALL to keeping any boid. Period. It's much closer to adopting a kid than keeping a RTB. I'm not trying to be a snit about it at all, I mean this sincerely. Big lizards have a much faster metabolism (meaning way more food), need way more heat, more room, more time, more money, more everything. I know the idea of having a big puppy dog lizard is compelling to a lot of people, but it's just not like that in practice. It can be really rewarding to keep them, but the trade off (ie, no life, as mentioned above) is pretty steep.

[NicoleRussell]

yeah--I had to hire a petstore owner to go to the virgin islands last year. It's not cheap in any way shape or form. Even beardies are more expensive to keep then any snake.

[el_nico]

jeeze mabey i shouldnt get one at this point. i wish i could though they seem really cool