By Tegus are large, intelligent lizards native to South America. They have become popular pets due to their impressive size, unique appearance, and friendly demeanor. This comprehensive caresheet will provide you with the information necessary to properly care for your tegu, ensuring it remains healthy and happy throughout its life.
Table of Contents
Overview of Tegu Species
There are several species of tegus available in the pet trade. This caresheet will primarily focus on the care requirements for the following four species:
- Argentine Black and White Tegu (Tupinambis merianae)
- Argentine Red Tegu (Tupinambis rufescens)
- Blue Tegu (a variant of Tupinambis merianae)
- Colombian Black and White Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin)
While some care requirements may vary between species, the information provided in this caresheet will be useful for all pet tegus.
Feeding your Tegu
Hatchling Diet
All tegu species start as carnivorous hatchlings, meaning they consume a diet primarily consisting of meat. Hatchlings should be offered a variety of high-quality protein sources, including:
- Crickets dusted with vitamin dust
- Captive-raised roaches
- Mealworms and super mealworms
- Ground turkey dusted with vitamin dust
- Pinkie mice
- Cooked egg (scrambled or hard-boiled)
Avoid feeding your hatchling tegu raw eggs, as they can pose a risk of salmonella infection and contain an enzyme called avidin that can lead to skin issues.
Adult Diet
As your tegu grows, its dietary needs will change. Argentine Black and White, Argentine Red, and Blue tegus will gradually transition to a more omnivorous diet, while Colombian Black and White tegus will remain carnivorous throughout their lives.
For omnivorous tegus, their diet should include:
- Ground turkey
- Cooked egg (scrambled or hard-boiled)
- Rodents
- Fresh fish
- Baby chickens
- Grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, melons, and other soft fruits (in moderation)
For carnivorous tegus, their diet should consist of the same protein sources as omnivorous tegus, with the exception of fruit.
It is important to feed your tegu an appropriate amount of food to maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your tegu’s body condition closely and adjust its diet as necessary.
Supplements
To ensure your tegu receives adequate nutrition, it is important to supplement its diet with vitamins and minerals. One recommended product is Zoo-Med Repti Calcium without D3, which is made from calcium carbonate rather than crushed oyster shells, making it more easily absorbed by your tegu.
Preventing Cage Aggression
Tegus can become cage aggressive, associating their keeper with food. To minimize this behavior, consider feeding your tegu in a separate cage or area, or feed it when it is in its hide so it does not see you with food.
Water Requirements
Tegus require fresh water daily. Provide a water dish large enough for your tegu to soak in, as this can help maintain proper hydration and promote healthy shedding.
Housing
Hatchling tegus can be housed in a 20-gallon long tank, but they will outgrow this quickly. Adult tegus require a much larger enclosure, either custom-built or a 400-gallon showcase.
An appropriate enclosure for an adult tegu should be:
- At least 6 feet long
- At least 3 feet wide
- At least 3 feet high
Keep in mind that tegus are terrestrial lizards, so height is not as important as floor space.
Humidity
Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for the health of your tegu. Aim for a humidity level between 60% and 70%. Misting your tegu’s enclosure daily can help achieve these levels, or you can use a humidifier or other methods to increase humidity.
Substrate
The substrate in your tegu’s enclosure should be clean, non-toxic, and able to maintain the appropriate humidity levels. Some recommended substrates include:
- Cypress mulch
- Orchid bark
- Lizard litter
- Repti-bark
- Eucalyptus mulch
Avoid using substrates that are dusty, overly wet, or sticky. Ensure your tegu is fed in a way that prevents ingestion of substrate, as this can cause intestinal blockages.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for the health of your tegu. Tegus require ultraviolet (UVB) light for the production of vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium metabolism. A full-spectrum UVB light should be provided for your tegu.
Basking temperatures should reach a maximum of 110°F, while the cool side of the enclosure can be in the 70s. Avoid providing supplemental heat on the cool side of the enclosure.
Understanding UVB Lighting
UVB lighting is crucial for the production of vitamin D3 in reptiles, which aids in calcium metabolism. Without proper UVB exposure, tegus can develop metabolic bone disease. While some supplements contain vitamin D3, it is important to provide your tegu with UVB lighting to ensure proper absorption of calcium.
Handling and Taming
Tegus can be docile and friendly pets when handled regularly and gently. Handling your tegu daily can help with the taming process and reduce cage aggression.
Health
Monitor your tegu’s health closely, and consult a veterinarian specializing in reptiles if you notice any signs of illness or injury. Some common health issues in tegus include:
- Metabolic bone disease
- Impaction
- Parasites
- Respiratory infections
- Shedding issues
By providing your tegu with proper care, you can minimize the risk of health issues and ensure a long, happy life for your pet.
In conclusion, proper care for a tegu requires attention to its dietary needs, housing, humidity levels, lighting, and regular handling. By following this comprehensive caresheet, you can create a healthy and enriching environment for your tegu to thrive.