Tegu Care

Tegu Care Guide

Published: February 6th, 2024

Housing:

Enclosure Requirements:

Argentine tegus are large lizards, and their enclosure must reflect their size and activity level. A recommended enclosure size is 8’ x 4’ x 4’ frontopening reptile enclosure. This provides ample space for them to move, explore, and exercise their natural behaviors.

Heating and Lighting:

    1.  Four ceramic socket lamp mounts with 175w PAR38 halogen flood bulbs are essential for creating a proper thermal gradient.
    2.  Incorporate four plugin lamp dimmers to control the heat output.
    3.  Provide 46 sq ft of flagstone or slate tile for a basking area.
    4.  Install two 46” T5 HO desert UVB bulbs (Arcadia or Zoo Med brand) in fixtures with reflectors.
    5.  Supplement with a 3648” 60007000K LED or fluorescent plant light to ensure proper lighting.

Temperature Monitoring:

Utilize a digital thermometer/hygrometer device with probes (2 units) and an infrared thermometer (“temperature gun”) for accurate temperature monitoring.

Environmental Enrichment:

Enhance the enclosure with environmental enrichment items such as caves, logs, thick branches, and plants. These additions create a more stimulating and engaging environment for the tegu.

Substrate:

Use 6” or more of naturalistic substrate to allow for digging and burrowing. This substrate should mimic the tegu’s natural habitat.

Download the Caresheet |

Diet and Feeding:

Feeding Tools

  • Softtipped feeding tweezers (12”)
  •  Adequately sized food and water dishes

Supplements

  •  Provide a calcium powder supplement with low or no D3.
  •  Include a multivitamin powder supplement to ensure nutritional balance.

Other Equipment:

Temperature Control:

    •  Surge protector with a digital timer for controlling lighting and heating elements.

Hydration:

    •  Use a 12 gallon capacity pressure sprayer for maintaining humidity and providing drinking water.

Hideout and Shelter:

    •  Offer a reptile hideout/cave sized according to your tegu for security and comfort.

General Care:

Argentine tegus require diligent care due to their size and activity level. Regular monitoring of temperature, humidity, and a wellbalanced diet is essential. Adequate space and environmental enrichment are crucial for their wellbeing.

Note: Ensure that all equipment is properly secured, and the enclosure is escapeproof, as tegus are strong and may attempt to explore beyond their enclosure.

Download the caresheet for Tegu |

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  • All Post
  • care sheets
  • guide
  • Lizards
  • snakes
  • Uncategorized
    •   Back
    • Mourning Gecko
    • Sandfish skink
    • Tegu
    • Ackie Monitor lifespan
    • Bearded dragon
    • Blue Tongue Skink
    • Crested Gecko
    • Gargoyle Gecko
    • Jackson's Chameleon
    • Leopard Gecko
    •   Back
    • Ball Python
    • Black Rat Snake
    • Corn Snake
    • Gila Monster
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