Argentine B&W Cage Questions

[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!

[NicoleRussell]

Originally Posted by LizardLover

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?

WELL IT DEPENDS ON HOW MANY TEGUS HATCH OUT. SOME YEARS ARE LESS EXPENSIVE THEN OTHERS AND BERT HAS HAD A HUGE SUPPLY OF TEGUS THE LAST FEW YEARS. AND YES BASICALLY THEY ARE MORE EXPENSIVE AS THEY GET OLDER.

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.)

FOR BABIES INSECTS AND WORMS ARE BEST. OCCASIONAL (WEEKLY) MOUSE PINKS ARE OK TOO. AS THE TEGU GROWS YOU CAN GAGE THE SIZE ON THE ANIMAL'S SIZE--AND CUT OUT THE BUGS ALTOGETHER. YOU'LL KNOW WHEN BECAUSE THE TEGU WILL EAT BUGS AND WORMS LESS AND LESS

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.
CAN'T HELP YOU THERE---I BOUGHT MINE.

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.

JUST THINK LONG. THE TRUTH IS THOUGH--HE WILL NEED A BASKING ROCK--A MULCH BOX AND A WATER CONSTAINER...
(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?)
AFTER A YEAR HE IS QUITE ACCURATE. WHEN THEY ARE STILL GREEN HEADED IT'S TOUGH--BUT IF HE GUARANTEES IT THEN GO ITH WHAT HE SAYS
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)
YEAH THEY ARE RELENTLESS. NICO HATED TO BE CONFINED FROM DAY ONE. ROCCO HIS FEMALE--IS VERY CONTENT WITHIN CONFINES AND WOULD NEVER TRY AND ESCAPE. BUT I THINK HIS PERSONALITY IS MORE COMMON.



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!

GOOD LUCK!

[LizardLover]

A mulch box? Ya mean like a hidebox?

I read that someone put a hidebox on both the warmer and cooler sides of the cage so that the lizard wouldn't be forced into going into a certain temp if it wanted to hide. I haven't heard of many other people doing this though. Is it necessary? A good idea?

And I'm finding different opinions on substrate, like what is best and how deep it should be. What has worked well for y'all?

Thanks!

[NicoleRussell]

I never did that. I put the hidebox in the cool side and that's basically because tegus will burrow to cooler temps when they are done basking.
I have tried alot of substrates but cypress is still really the best in my opinion.
buy a tote fill with very moist mulch and allow the box to get larger as the tegu grows.....