I've just started building the new enclosure and it already weighs a ton, so I'm thinking about alternatives. I was thinking about a cattle stock tank, it would be about 3 foot wide by 6 foot long by 2 foot tall. It's be plenty big for my stunted Columbian tegu, just wondering what you guys thought? It would be much easier to transport, is cheaper than me finishing this enclosure, lighter, and I'd only need to make a lid. I could seal it if necessary, but it is made to be full of water for years. Just trying to do some research before I buy it..
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Stock tanks?
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Looking for a Tegu
I've been wanting a Tegu for awhile, but I'm not sure where to get one. I'm reluctant to get some baby shipped to my house, to find it died or sick. I'd prefer to go to a store and select one, or buy one from a breeder. However, the stores I've looked into online in the closest city(45min away) don't seem to list them in their stock. I dont know of/cant find any breeders in my area in Illinois. All I can find is breeders in Chicago area, which is 3+ hours from me.(too far) Anyone know of breeders in IL, and if a pet store can ORDER a pet for you(if that's a safer option?)
By the way, my preference is a Extreme Giant Argentine B&W tegu, but overall, id be satisfied with any Argentine.
By the way, my preference is a Extreme Giant Argentine B&W tegu, but overall, id be satisfied with any Argentine.
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Great book by Bert Langerwerf
I got this link off of another Tegu forum. THE LIZARD MAN: The Life and Adventures of Bert Langerwerf
by Bert Langerwerfand Russ Gurley. This is perhaps the only book that covers the herpitology of Bert who really "wrote the book". I have just ordered my copy, $20 plus shipping and can't wait to get my hands on it.
by Bert Langerwerfand Russ Gurley. This is perhaps the only book that covers the herpitology of Bert who really "wrote the book". I have just ordered my copy, $20 plus shipping and can't wait to get my hands on it.
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Looking for a B&W Tegu male
I am looking to get an Argentine B&W Tegu and i went to an expo and only had columbian. Are they not hatched yet or should i try somewhere else. I was looking at Varnyard but there is a waiting list. any help?
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Amazing sights yesterday
I haven't posted here in a while. Yesterday I did some hiking and herping in one of our beautiful Florida conservation areas. I was walking down the trail and I stopped to look at the scenery. Looking, looking, then I looked down and, behold, a gorgeous little White-Tailed fawn just sitting on the ground in a spot surrounded by palmetto bushes. It was still spotted! It stayed still trying to be camouflaged. I slowly reached for my camera, but as soon as I unzipped the case, he bolted. So, sorry for no pictures.
On the way back I heard light ''peeping'' in the woods. I looked around and saw two baby wild turkeys. And no sooner had I seen them, that I looked up and saw the mother in the middle of the trail probably 20 feet from me. She walked around on the trail, wandered in and out of the woods, and started ''clucking'' for her babies. They jumped up and ran after her. Then I realized there were more as three more babies appeared and ran after her, then another three, and yet another three. She gathered up at least 11 babies and they all left together. What a good mother looking after her babies :-).
This might not sound so thrilling to some of you, but I was in awe. I have seen plenty of deer, but never a little fawn all by itself. And I have never seen a small army of baby turkeys following their mother in the wild. I did manage to get a quick picture of one baby and the mother.
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On the way back I heard light ''peeping'' in the woods. I looked around and saw two baby wild turkeys. And no sooner had I seen them, that I looked up and saw the mother in the middle of the trail probably 20 feet from me. She walked around on the trail, wandered in and out of the woods, and started ''clucking'' for her babies. They jumped up and ran after her. Then I realized there were more as three more babies appeared and ran after her, then another three, and yet another three. She gathered up at least 11 babies and they all left together. What a good mother looking after her babies :-).
This might not sound so thrilling to some of you, but I was in awe. I have seen plenty of deer, but never a little fawn all by itself. And I have never seen a small army of baby turkeys following their mother in the wild. I did manage to get a quick picture of one baby and the mother.
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Which cage for a hatchling?
Ignore the original title! :P
How long should a 10.0 UV&UVB light for a 8 ft long cage be, and where should it sit? What heat source should I use above my basking spot?(about 20 inches away)
How long should a 10.0 UV&UVB light for a 8 ft long cage be, and where should it sit? What heat source should I use above my basking spot?(about 20 inches away)
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Hello new guy on deck (picture heavy)
Hello everyone my name is Rio I dont have a tegu yet (I know BAN HIM) lol but I do have a deposit for an Argentine male blk/wht tegu with Bobby Hill at varnyard. I did a bunch of research for going with a breeder contacted many as well as watched videos back to back per breeder and decided to go with Bobby Hill and I have had luck with good communication and having my questions answered.
I've been a animal lover/ mainly reptile lover since I was young so I know what i'm doing for the most part but you always learn something new. I'm real excited to own a tegu in the near future I've wanted one for years now so I finally decided to go ahead. Currently have 4'x2'x2 enclosure and I will most likely be going with cypress mulch and feeding him out the cage while he's young. If you have any suggestions/tips please dont hesitate.
Other than that I'm really into cars and anything hands on, I'm currently on a drift team named Empty Pockets Drift Crew (EPDC) and I love seafood!
Some pictures of the animals I currently own.
My orange bearded dragons Draco and Mojo (didn't know my camera was cloudy, the orange is alot brighter)
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My snapping turtle Bowser
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My blue tongue skink zeus
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My egyptian uromastyx King Tut (YES THAT IS MY GF'S PHONE)
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My pitbull/dingo mix Kratos
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Our other full pitbull Rocko
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I've been a animal lover/ mainly reptile lover since I was young so I know what i'm doing for the most part but you always learn something new. I'm real excited to own a tegu in the near future I've wanted one for years now so I finally decided to go ahead. Currently have 4'x2'x2 enclosure and I will most likely be going with cypress mulch and feeding him out the cage while he's young. If you have any suggestions/tips please dont hesitate.
Other than that I'm really into cars and anything hands on, I'm currently on a drift team named Empty Pockets Drift Crew (EPDC) and I love seafood!
Some pictures of the animals I currently own.
My orange bearded dragons Draco and Mojo (didn't know my camera was cloudy, the orange is alot brighter)
My snapping turtle Bowser
My blue tongue skink zeus
My egyptian uromastyx King Tut (YES THAT IS MY GF'S PHONE)
My pitbull/dingo mix Kratos
Our other full pitbull Rocko
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My poor black throat
tsI bought a dog exercise pen, set it up in front and took Kinabo out thinking he would like it. Instead he went nuts! He hissed, tail whipped, gaped you name it, he did it. He ran at the barrier, whipped at it until the nib of his tail was a little bloody. I was next to him all the time and every time I put my hand close to the pen, he hissed, gaped and whipped. Deciding that he hated it, I boldly picked him up which he was fine with. I too him back to his enclosure and he completely transformed. He was docile, even servile. He came to my hand and I stroked the top of his head and under his chin for quite a while as he had his eyes closed.
I really think that living his first year in an enclosure, he became intensely afraid of the outdoors and being able to see a ways, hence his defensive / aggressive posturing. I am sure it wasn't me as he wanted my contact and comfort after he was back inside.
So much for the great outdoors. He may change as he gets older and grows more, becomes more brave etc. For now however he is an indoor guy.
I feel terrible that he got so stressed out but am grateful he didn't seem to hold it against me.
I really think that living his first year in an enclosure, he became intensely afraid of the outdoors and being able to see a ways, hence his defensive / aggressive posturing. I am sure it wasn't me as he wanted my contact and comfort after he was back inside.
So much for the great outdoors. He may change as he gets older and grows more, becomes more brave etc. For now however he is an indoor guy.
I feel terrible that he got so stressed out but am grateful he didn't seem to hold it against me.
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Looking to Purchase an adult red male or Albino Male!
I'm looking to purchase a healthy well taken care of tame tegu male. I am very specific and do not have a budget. I will pay a fair asking price depending on the quality. I am located in Southern California so shipping may be required. Thanks
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Wedding Photography Contest Help! :)
Hello! Want to help a tegu familly out? My fiance Bill Murray and I are finalists in an amazing wedding photography contest! The contest is on Facebook - here is the link:
http://apps.facebook.com/contestsapps/showentry/2013-wedding-photography-and-coordination-giveaway/10966?
If you go to this page and click on the "Melissa & Bill" photo (it is a picture of us with our 20 year old Spur-thigh tortoise) and then click "LOVE IT" we will get your vote.
You can vote 1 time each day until 5/2/12. Thanks so much! :-)
Melissa
http://apps.facebook.com/contestsapps/showentry/2013-wedding-photography-and-coordination-giveaway/10966?
If you go to this page and click on the "Melissa & Bill" photo (it is a picture of us with our 20 year old Spur-thigh tortoise) and then click "LOVE IT" we will get your vote.
You can vote 1 time each day until 5/2/12. Thanks so much! :-)
Melissa
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UVB lighting quick info
I know info gets lost in the search mode, and sometimes stickies aren't obvious. Since tegus are coming out of hibernation and basking regularly, it is a good time to change UVB if needed or redo an enclosure that maybe needs an improvement or two. i posted this quick message somewhere else and just thought it might make good food for thought here, too. Not my info, but from Dr. Frances Baines.
About tube lights:
"Tubes supply a diffuse "glow" with low intensity visible light, very little heat, and a fairly uniform UVB gradient, resembling natural UVB "in the shade" on a sunny day."
"Since they are not particularly bright light sources, fluorescent tubes can be situated directly above a reptile at fairly close range without, apparently, causing distressing glare. However, some do emit high UVB at close range and traces of UVC (1-3 uW/cm²) can be detected at the surface of all tubes tested, hence a safe minimum distance of maybe 3 - 4 inches would seem advisable.
The diffuse glow from a fluorescent tube is not focused into a beam, and hence does not project a great distance from the lamp. To achieve UVB coverage over a wide area, it is advisable to use the longest tube which will comfortably fit inside the vivarium. Reflectors may be used to direct the beam further into the vivarium and increase the effective output, for species with higher UVB requirements."
About compact/coiled:
"UVB compact fluorescent lamps also produce diffuse, low levels of UVB at basking distances. However, at close range and/or if reflectors are used, the light and UVB may be intense, making good positioning difficult. These lamps decay more rapidly than tubes and may need replacement after six months.
A few brands of fluorescent lamps for reptiles, both compact and tube types, have been found to emit hazardous shortwave UVB. These have caused eye problems such as photokeratoconjunctivitis. Some manufacturers that experienced the problem say they have addressed the issue, while others are still addressing it. However, if your reptile develops swollen eyes or refuses to open them shortly after a new lamp is installed, see your herp veterinarian immediately. You may wish to refer him or her to this article. Lamp placement, the lamp itself and/or other factors could be responsible."
About Mercury Vapor:
"Mercury vapor lamps vary in quality and UVB output. These lamps also produce significant heat, and they cannot be thermostatically controlled, so they are most suitable for large enclosures. Be sure to follow the manufacturers guidelines and instructions for proper lamp placement and distances. Several mercury-vapor-lamp types are available. Inexpensive spot lamps with clear-glass faces may produce extremely narrow, hazardous beams of intense UV light and are best avoided. Flood lamps have much wider beams, and they are ideal for reptiles that naturally bask in the sun. They create directly below the lamp a zone of bright light and UVB resembling a small patch of sunlight. Brands vary in their UV Index. Recordings range from about 2.0 (full tropical sun before 8:30 a.m.) to 7.0 (full tropical sun between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.) within the basking area"
Quotes From:
"FRANCES M. BAINES, M.A., VetMB, MRCVS, is a veterinarian researching the requirements of reptiles for visible and ultraviolet light. She writes on uvguide.co.uk and, with colleague Andrew Beveridge, independently assesses reptile lamps worldwide. She is currently an advisor to the Reptile and Amphibian Working Group of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums."
"Tubes supply a diffuse "glow" with low intensity visible light, very little heat, and a fairly uniform UVB gradient, resembling natural UVB "in the shade" on a sunny day."
"Since they are not particularly bright light sources, fluorescent tubes can be situated directly above a reptile at fairly close range without, apparently, causing distressing glare. However, some do emit high UVB at close range and traces of UVC (1-3 uW/cm²) can be detected at the surface of all tubes tested, hence a safe minimum distance of maybe 3 - 4 inches would seem advisable.
The diffuse glow from a fluorescent tube is not focused into a beam, and hence does not project a great distance from the lamp. To achieve UVB coverage over a wide area, it is advisable to use the longest tube which will comfortably fit inside the vivarium. Reflectors may be used to direct the beam further into the vivarium and increase the effective output, for species with higher UVB requirements."
About compact/coiled:
"UVB compact fluorescent lamps also produce diffuse, low levels of UVB at basking distances. However, at close range and/or if reflectors are used, the light and UVB may be intense, making good positioning difficult. These lamps decay more rapidly than tubes and may need replacement after six months.
A few brands of fluorescent lamps for reptiles, both compact and tube types, have been found to emit hazardous shortwave UVB. These have caused eye problems such as photokeratoconjunctivitis. Some manufacturers that experienced the problem say they have addressed the issue, while others are still addressing it. However, if your reptile develops swollen eyes or refuses to open them shortly after a new lamp is installed, see your herp veterinarian immediately. You may wish to refer him or her to this article. Lamp placement, the lamp itself and/or other factors could be responsible."
About Mercury Vapor:
"Mercury vapor lamps vary in quality and UVB output. These lamps also produce significant heat, and they cannot be thermostatically controlled, so they are most suitable for large enclosures. Be sure to follow the manufacturers guidelines and instructions for proper lamp placement and distances. Several mercury-vapor-lamp types are available. Inexpensive spot lamps with clear-glass faces may produce extremely narrow, hazardous beams of intense UV light and are best avoided. Flood lamps have much wider beams, and they are ideal for reptiles that naturally bask in the sun. They create directly below the lamp a zone of bright light and UVB resembling a small patch of sunlight. Brands vary in their UV Index. Recordings range from about 2.0 (full tropical sun before 8:30 a.m.) to 7.0 (full tropical sun between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.) within the basking area"
Quotes From:
"FRANCES M. BAINES, M.A., VetMB, MRCVS, is a veterinarian researching the requirements of reptiles for visible and ultraviolet light. She writes on uvguide.co.uk and, with colleague Andrew Beveridge, independently assesses reptile lamps worldwide. She is currently an advisor to the Reptile and Amphibian Working Group of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums."
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Neglected Baby Red Tegu at Reptile Store
A little bit of background before I get to the baby Tegu:
I randomly ended up at a local reptile shop a few days ago and had a little bit of a disturbing experience. They had an enclosure with several baby savannah monitors (maybe 20 or so) and there were at least 2 or 3 dead and dried up ones, they had probably been dead for a few days they were so dry. Some of the live babies were chewing on them like they were starving. I immediately told the guy at the counter and he removed the dead ones and tossed in a bunch of crickets and the monitors went nuts! They must have been VERY hungry. The employee claimed that they beat each other up and that was why there were dead ones but I got the impression they may have been killed by the others because of hunger. Now I'm not one to want to get people in trouble but this incident left me wondering if I should take some sort of action towards this place? I used to go there a lot for feeder rats/mice when I lived closer and the employees are always very nice and helpful but the owner has some serious issues. One time I waited for 40 minutes! while he was in the back of the store screaming at somebody on the phone with nobody else working the front of the store. We could hear every word at the front of the store and he even went so far as to call whoever it was back after they hung up on him and continue on for another 20 minutes. He was very lucky he wasn't robbed! Very unprofessional...so now to the Tegu.
The same day as the savannah monitor incident I noticed a young Red Tegu in a small enclosure (maybe 12" x 8") the glass said " Red Tegu $149.99 (imperfect) " I could see his tail had several dents along it and he was not very big, maybe 16" long with tail at most and he looked underfed. ( I don't know the sex just referring to it as a he) When I inquired about him I learned he was also missing some toes and apparently they received him from someone who was not taking care of him, though I am skeptical.
My questions are, What do you think the chances are of me rehabilitating him to good health? He was probably only a few months old so I have hope he could still recover emotionally if worked with a lot. How old would he have to be for me to let him interact with my full grown black and white Tegu? How much money would a second tegu take? I would of course take him to a vet first to get him checked out.
Thank you for your input. Since I left the store I can't stop thinking about his little face in that tiny box with no one to love him!
I randomly ended up at a local reptile shop a few days ago and had a little bit of a disturbing experience. They had an enclosure with several baby savannah monitors (maybe 20 or so) and there were at least 2 or 3 dead and dried up ones, they had probably been dead for a few days they were so dry. Some of the live babies were chewing on them like they were starving. I immediately told the guy at the counter and he removed the dead ones and tossed in a bunch of crickets and the monitors went nuts! They must have been VERY hungry. The employee claimed that they beat each other up and that was why there were dead ones but I got the impression they may have been killed by the others because of hunger. Now I'm not one to want to get people in trouble but this incident left me wondering if I should take some sort of action towards this place? I used to go there a lot for feeder rats/mice when I lived closer and the employees are always very nice and helpful but the owner has some serious issues. One time I waited for 40 minutes! while he was in the back of the store screaming at somebody on the phone with nobody else working the front of the store. We could hear every word at the front of the store and he even went so far as to call whoever it was back after they hung up on him and continue on for another 20 minutes. He was very lucky he wasn't robbed! Very unprofessional...so now to the Tegu.
The same day as the savannah monitor incident I noticed a young Red Tegu in a small enclosure (maybe 12" x 8") the glass said " Red Tegu $149.99 (imperfect) " I could see his tail had several dents along it and he was not very big, maybe 16" long with tail at most and he looked underfed. ( I don't know the sex just referring to it as a he) When I inquired about him I learned he was also missing some toes and apparently they received him from someone who was not taking care of him, though I am skeptical.
My questions are, What do you think the chances are of me rehabilitating him to good health? He was probably only a few months old so I have hope he could still recover emotionally if worked with a lot. How old would he have to be for me to let him interact with my full grown black and white Tegu? How much money would a second tegu take? I would of course take him to a vet first to get him checked out.
Thank you for your input. Since I left the store I can't stop thinking about his little face in that tiny box with no one to love him!
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Attack of the giant tegu!
I made this for a contest at worth1000.com and thought you guys might get a laugh out of it.
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Introduction
Hello out there.............i'm tegu lover from indonesia......
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Rosemary Extract Safe?
I bought a bottle of Unflavored Arctic Cod Liver Oil for my tegus today and noticed it has added Vitamin E (in a natural form) and Rosemary Extract, is this safe for them to eat? I know Rosemary Extract is not good for dogs so I wouldn't think it would be good for a tegu. I will probably return it since I haven't opened it yet but thought I would see what you guys think.
Thanks!
P.S. For those of you who saw my recent post about getting a neglected baby red he is doing great today! Ate about 15 crickets then had a good bask and a bath. He has taken to being handled pretty easily too. I expected it to take much longer for him to be comfy in my hands. :)
Thanks!
P.S. For those of you who saw my recent post about getting a neglected baby red he is doing great today! Ate about 15 crickets then had a good bask and a bath. He has taken to being handled pretty easily too. I expected it to take much longer for him to be comfy in my hands. :)
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More weasley...
So he is shedding which I guess means he is growing which is good ... he still isn't laid back but he is getting better. He eats about every other day which is more than he was eating but he only eats small little bits. Is that normal? Also how do i ensure he completely sheds out? I am soaking him daily as well as bumped up his humidity and he had some fruit yesterday and I will offer more today. He came out this morning and was basking for a bit I am about to go in there and clean his "pool" and make it where he can hide under it as that seems to be his fav spot and it worries me it will crush him... his temps are great his humidity is great just want to make sure we don't lose any toes or parts of tail :D any advice is welcome! Thanks!
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Meet Ignitus (Baby Red: Pic Heavy)
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Tail got ripped off!!! Help please
So, I just got a Colombian b/w tegu and I've only had him for a few days now. I read all sorts of information prior to getting him to avoid any surprises. Nothing I read prepared me to find about two inches of his tail missing! I've read many different articles regarding the care for this situation but I'm hesitant to do anything yet. Any suggestions for after care? When I found him he was not bleeding and there was very little blood on the piece of tail I found. Needles to say I'm kinda freaking and very worried, he's only three months old maybe a little older.
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Happiness is a soaking tegu! :) (may end up pic heavy :)
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this is my weasley... he is a good boy... still skittish at times but getting better... today he devoured about 50 crickets and it was a riot! i took video of it so much fun i love this guy! :D I hope you like him too!
this is my weasley... he is a good boy... still skittish at times but getting better... today he devoured about 50 crickets and it was a riot! i took video of it so much fun i love this guy! :D I hope you like him too!
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Wild Caught Gold (sub-adult)
So, anyone here who knows me knows I am a champion of the Columbian tegus :) I have several adults Columbians (and a bunch of hatchlings) and I think they are super sweet and very smart. I often hear people in the herp community say otherwise (not as much as I used to hear when I first got into them) - for example, at the last Tampa Repticon show there was a guy giving a lecture on lizards. Now, this guy happens to be the president of a FL herp society and I've seen him at these reptile shows for years. Anyway, my table was right next to the area the talks were being given so I heard what he had to say.
At one point he held a large Argentine and asked the crowd (about 30 people) how to tell the difference between Columbians and Argentines. There was, needless to say, no mention of scale differentiation! Instead, he said "you could never hold a Columbian like this because they are vicious and can't be tamed and don't make good pets". AH!! So, of course I went over to talk with him. He said that he had never heard of a tame Columbian so I brought a few of my adults to the show the next day to show him how wonderful they are. Anyway, at the same show I bought a wild caught Columbian (gold). I prefer captive bred, but I never see the "gold" Columbians (I know there is no species differentiation but I have wanted to work with the gold colored ones for awhile). Anyway, people have all these horror stories about "gold" tegus. Well, this guy was just brought into the country by my friend Nick. I worked with him for a few hours over a 2-3 day period and he was already totally calm - a very curious and smart lizard, but easily handled and hasn't huffed or tried to bite at all in the month plus that he's been here with me.
He is super looking too! I will post more pics soon :)
goldy.jpg
At one point he held a large Argentine and asked the crowd (about 30 people) how to tell the difference between Columbians and Argentines. There was, needless to say, no mention of scale differentiation! Instead, he said "you could never hold a Columbian like this because they are vicious and can't be tamed and don't make good pets". AH!! So, of course I went over to talk with him. He said that he had never heard of a tame Columbian so I brought a few of my adults to the show the next day to show him how wonderful they are. Anyway, at the same show I bought a wild caught Columbian (gold). I prefer captive bred, but I never see the "gold" Columbians (I know there is no species differentiation but I have wanted to work with the gold colored ones for awhile). Anyway, people have all these horror stories about "gold" tegus. Well, this guy was just brought into the country by my friend Nick. I worked with him for a few hours over a 2-3 day period and he was already totally calm - a very curious and smart lizard, but easily handled and hasn't huffed or tried to bite at all in the month plus that he's been here with me.
He is super looking too! I will post more pics soon :)
goldy.jpg
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