Do you have to Brumate your tegu?

Do you have to Brumate your tegu?

Argentine tegus do brumate, but brumation is not required for pet (non-breeding) tegus. Contrary to popular belief, brumation is not triggered by cooler weather. Instead, tegus react to a combination of shorter days and changes in humidity and atmospheric pressure.

Is it hard to take care of a tegu?

Tegus are big, mellow, affectionate, easy to care for, and with a good diet can live about 20 years.

What temperature does a tegu need?

between 80 and 90 degrees
As a tropical species, tegus will require warm temperatures during most of the year unless they are being brumated (cooled) for reproductive cycling. Ambient temperatures withing the cage should be between 80 and 90 degrees during the day. Temperatures 5 to 10 degrees cooler are acceptable at night.

How much UVB does a tegu need?

Both Argentine and Colombian tegus require 12-14 hours of daily exposure UVB for their health. In captivity, this should be supplemented by opportunities to bask in “real” sunlight as often as weather permits. The best way to provide UVB for your tegu is by using a fluorescent UVB bulb designed for high output.

How cold can a tegu get?

Tegus in the wild Same for blacknose, blackhead and black and whites. This is the climate most black and white tegus live in. You can see temperature go between 10C (50F) and 15C (59F) and sometimes even under 10C (50F). In my experience if you stay between 10C and 15C your tegu is save.

How do you keep a TEGU enclosure humid?

You can hit these humidity levels with two tricks:

1. Mix water into the substrate until it is uniformly moist (not muddy). Repeat weekly.
2. Mist the enclosure daily. (I prefer using a pressure sprayer like this one from Exo Terra so my hand doesn’t get tired.)
3. Provide a cool humid hide box lined with damp sphagnum moss.

Do Tegus like to be held?

Argentine tegu care Handle them often: Argentine tegus will get more docile as they get older, which means that they can get along really well with humans. However, you need to make sure your pet is accustomed to being handled; otherwise, they can become anxious and might lash out.

Do Tegus need light at night?

Argentine Tegus are cold-blooded animals and require supplemental heat for proper digestion. They prefer 75-85 F during the day. At night, these lights will need to be turned off and another heat source may be needed depending on the ambient temperature.

Is there a care sheet for a tegus?

There are various species and subspecies of Tegus and a care sheet that will cover them all would not be practical in this case. Only a basic or general outline will be provided here so you can keep a Tegu in top shape.

How big of an enclosure do you need for a tegu?

Most adult tegu enclosures are 8ft x 4ft wooden or acrylic cages. Hatchlings can be kept in 30, 40, and 55 gallon enclosures then upgraded as they grow. If temperatures allow, tegus can be housed outdoors in secure enclosures.

Do you have to take care of an Argentine tegus?

Handle them often: Argentine tegus will get more docile as they get older, which means that they can get along really well with humans. However, you need to make sure your pet is accustomed to being handled; otherwise, they can become anxious and might lash out.

How often do you clean a tegus enclosure?

The tip-proof water bowl must have clean water daily. Full enclosure cleansing, including the accessories/furniture/hides, must be done every 2-3 months. Wash with mild detergent, rinse well, allow to dry, and put it back together.