The tegu is a fascinating and fairly popular lizard that is powerful and incredible in appearance, but it’s more suited to experienced reptile keepers. Tegus require specific handling and grow up to four feet, meaning they need a spacious enclosure to accommodate their monstrous size. Furthermore, different types of tegus have varied dietary requirements, and you must pay attention to their tank’s heat and humidity needs to avoid health problems.
While choosing your next pet reptile, look at the five facts about caring for tegu lizards.
1. Tegus Need Large Enclosures
There’s no denying that tegus are among the largest pet reptiles available. Female tegus reach three feet, while males can grow to just over four feet in length. In addition to their length, tegus can weigh up to 20 pounds. Adults need an enclosure of at least 8 feet x 4 feet, but males may need a 10-foot habitat. A wooden cage is recommended as it provides sturdiness while also being easy to clean. Note that a tegu’s cage must be well-ventilated and have fixtures that allow for the installation of heat mats, lamps, and UVB lighting.
Tegus enjoy digging and prefer a soft soil substrate or an organic material, such as coco fiber and cypress mulch, to replicate their habitat. The tegu is a South American lizard found in rainforests and savannahs. Because they like to dig, it’s a good idea to add a substrate of six inches deep. If you decide to use a sandy substrate, be sure to feed your tegu on a hard and dry surface. This way, they’ll avoid the consumption of sand grains which can lead to internal blockages.
2. Tegus are Omnivores, Needing a Varied Diet
A tegu enjoys a high-protein and fiber-based diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, and eggs. The diet you provide your pet tegu also depends on the species. For example, the Argentine tegu consumes more plant matter compared to the Colombian tegu, which prefers a high-protein meal plan. Up until a year of age, all types of tegus consume a largely protein-based diet consisting mainly of insects. Juvenile tegus enjoy large mealworms, earthworms, crickets, locusts, and Dubia roaches. Young tegus are usually fed gut-loaded and live insects, but as they mature, their dietary requirements change.
Adult Argentine tegus need around 30% vegetables in their daily diet, whereas adult Colombian tegus only require a vegetable content of 10%. Be sure to pay attention to the species-related needs of your lizard to ensure that you’re feeding them the correct portions of protein and plants. Good meat sources for mature tegus consist of beef hearts, rats, rabbit meat, chicken, quail, and whole fish. You can add calcium powder to ensure they’re receiving the appropriate nutrition.
3. Tegus Require Temperature Gradients in Their Enclosures
The tegu needs a warm side and cool side in its enclosure. They enjoy basking but should have the option to move away from the heat. The cage’s warm end must be between 90℉ and 95℉, while the cool side should range between 75℉ and 85℉.
In addition to their temperature gradient, tegus need a basking area. In the wild, these big lizards spend their time in direct sunlight to moderate their temperature and provide a healthy source of vitamin D3. It also prevents deficiencies responsible for metabolic bone disease, a common health concern in reptiles. In a tegu’s enclosure, you would use a UVB light to replicate the sun’s rays. The UVB lamps should be positioned over their basking area and are generally half the length of the tank. Remember, heat and UVB lights don’t make up for the general lighting these diurnal lizards need. This means adding an LED light to brighten the enclosure during the day.
4. Tegus Require High Humidity Levels
In the wild, tegus enjoy a fair amount of humidity. To promote your pet’s health and well-being, you should set their enclosure’s humidity to 70%. To improve the amount of moisture in the cage, perform a daily spray or set up a misting system. A light spray is all that is needed, as you don’t want to create a soggy substrate that increases the risk of bacteria and mold growth. Sphagnum moss will help to improve the humidity levels inside sheltered areas or hides in the cage. Be sure to replace the tank’s moss daily to avoid the formation of mold.
Another feature that should be part of your pet tegu’s environment is a large water bowl they can climb into. These lizards love to soak in water, so take the time to prepare a shallow dish that is large enough to accommodate their size. The water must be replaced daily because tegus are quite messy and often soil the dish.
5. Tegus Need Physical Interaction
You may be surprised to discover that these reptiles enjoy being handled by their owners. When raised as tame adults, these large lizards become lap dogs that crave attention, and over time develop relaxed and trusting temperaments. If you want a friendly tegu, you must source one from a reputable exotic pet supplier who has raised these lizards from hatchlings. Only young tegus that are raised as pets are tame as adults.
Tegus show their happiness by crawling onto their owners, flicking their tongues, and moving their tails. In addition to providing these unique lizards with undivided attention, give them the space, balanced diets, and temperature regulation they deserve. Properly caring for your tegu can help them live a long and fulfilling life.
