Tegu Care Sheet
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Scientific Name:
Tupinambis spp |
| Lizards
Home > Library |
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Description
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| Tegus
are one of the biggest lizard families, and include
many different species. They come from mountain and
forested areas of South America. |
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Statistics |
| Natural Location: |
South America |
| Average Lifespan: |
Up to 10 Years |
| Estimated Size: |
3' to 4' |
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| Captive
Care Information |
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Food
& Water
Tegus will eat feeder insects as their
food source. Provide them crickets,
mealworms, slikworms,
butterworms,
grasshoppers and other insects. The wider the variety
the better. You can also offer them previously frozen,
then thawed, rodents. If offereing live rodents, watch
them until it is gone. Live rodents can be very dangerous
to lizards. Make sure to use either a multi-vitamin dust,
or a vitamin spray. Gut-load the feeder insects as well.
The Tegu will also need a large, shallow,
sturdy container of water. They will drink and soak in
the water. Provide fresh water each day.
Lighting, Temperature & Humidity
Make sure to provide your Tegu with full-spectrum
flourescent lighting. The UV rays are essential to the
healthy development of the lizard. Tegus need a wide
heat gradient, ranging from 100 degrees F to 75 degrees
F. You can use either an incandescent bulb or a ceramic
emitter for the heat. You will also need a high humidity
level. Live plants and daily misting will keep the humidity
levels optimum.
Housing
The variety of Tegu species will need different size
enclosures. All of them will need a large enclosure.
The enclosure needs to be sealed very tight. Use peat
moss, soil, jungle floor or bark for a substrate. Provide
lots of branches and rocks for climbing, and include
a large hiding spot.
We will provide further information on the housing
requirements of the individual Tegu
species in the future. |
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