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Tegu

Colombian Tegu / Gold Tegu

Colombian Tegu (Gold Tegu): Information, Enclosure Requirements, Diet & Health Tips

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The Colombian tegu (tupinambis teguixin), also Gold tegu or Golden tegu, is a species of tegu lizard common in the pet trade, although it is not as easy to domisticate as the more popular Agentine tegu and Red tegu. This species is considered somewhat aggressive and not beginner-friendly, although it can still be tamed with a lot of patience and expertise. Compared to the other two aforementioned species, the gold… Read More »Colombian Tegu (Gold Tegu): Information, Enclosure Requirements, Diet & Health Tips

Red tegu eating a banana

Red Tegu Care: Information, Enclosure Requirements, Diet & Health

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Red tegus are popular pets due to their size and tame nature, with a reddish skin that looks almost like raw meat. They have slightly higher humidity requirements and are prone to skin-related health issues. This guide provides information on red tegu care, including size, lifespan, diet, and enclosure requirements.

Keeping an Argentine Tegu as a Pet in the US

Can you own a tegu in your state?

Laws regarding possession of exotic animals in the US are different for every state and can change from one day to another. Owning a tegu lizard in Florida was legal up until 2021 but the animals are now banned from the pet trade and all breeding must cease by 2024. Always double check the legality of owning a tegu or exotic animal with your state’s law officials before adopting your… Read More »Can you own a tegu in your state?

Can tegus eat grapes?

Can tegus eat grapes?

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Tegu lizards are fond of sweet fruits and it is generally safe to feed them grapes and dates in limited amounts. If you can, try to get your hands on some Thompson seedless grapes as these are the best variety for tegus. If you can only find grapes with seeds then it is recommended that you cut each grape in half and get rid of the seeds yourself before serving… Read More »Can tegus eat grapes?

Tegu eating its greens and veggies

Best Vegetables for Argentine & Colombian Tegus

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Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a tegu lizard’s diet, as the main source of vitamins and micronutrients they need in order to stay healthy. Tegus are omnivore and need both protein from animal sources and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in order to thrive. Nutrition experts recommend feeding your adult Argentine tegu or Red tegu no more than 30% of its diet in the form… Read More »Best Vegetables for Argentine & Colombian Tegus

Can tegu eat kale

Can Tegus Eat Kale?

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Kale is a safe and nutritious food choice for tegus, containing high levels of calcium and essential vitamins. Other recommended leafy greens include collard, mustard, and turnip greens.

Juvenile Argentine black and white tegu

Baby tegu care: Information, Enclosure & Diet Requirements

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Thinking of adopting a baby tegu? These lizards grow rather quickly and dramatically, with an adult male Argentine tegu reaching the size of a small dog (around 5 feet). In the first two years of their life, however, juvenile tegus are tiny and vulnerable, and they require additional care in order to stay healthy and thrive. If you have just adopted a tegu hatchling you are going to need to… Read More »Baby tegu care: Information, Enclosure & Diet Requirements

Tegu Tail Regrowth

Tail dropping in Tegu lizards

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Like most lizards, tegus can in fact drop their tails. The good news is, they can also regenerate it. Tail dropping usually occurs as a result of injury, diseases such as tail rot, or stress. In the wild, lizards will drop their tail when they feel threatened, this is a natural response to being in the presence of a potential predator. If a bird grabs a lizard by their tail,… Read More »Tail dropping in Tegu lizards

Northern Caiman Lizard (Dracaena guianensis) at the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL

Do Tegu Lizards Like Being in Water?

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There are different species of tegu lizards, some of which enjoy water more than others. The three species of tegu commonly kept as pets (salvator merianae, salvator rufescens and tupinambis teguixin) are terrestrial and prefer living on the ground. They are however highly adaptive to different kinds of environments, from rainforest to semi-deserts, and some individuals may enjoy bathing, whereas others do not. Another species known as the Caiman lizard… Read More »Do Tegu Lizards Like Being in Water?

Tegu claws

Tegu claws and nail clipping

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Tegus have razor sharp claws and it can make handling them a painful experience, despite their tame disposition. Unlike cats, tegus are very unlikely to scratch you on purpose (tail whipping now, that’s a different story!), but if you are keeping one around the house you’ll still want to regularly trim their nails so you don’t look like you’ve been mauled by a big feline every time it climbs over… Read More »Tegu claws and nail clipping