Q about tegu's outdoors?

Shan · Honored Member Joined: Jul 26, 2005 Posts: 155

I know that the natural sunlight is very good for them. But when I take Gooch outside the sound of the cars scare him. Should I keep trying to take him outside for his benefit or should I just let him stay in the house? He is restrained when outside so he cannot get away. (with a leash) Or could someone recommend maybe a way that could help him get used to the noise. I was thinking of getting a recording of it and playing it very very low at first and raise the volume every couple of weeks. Do you think this would work? I would really like him to get outside for the natural sunlight, i have heard it is much better for them. But I don't want to stress him out. He seems to like it if the traffic is not busy. I live on a corner one street is very calm and the other is very busy. I only take him in the back yard so he can't even see the cars. Should I just let him enjoy his inside living? I have made the dog kennel into an enclosure so he can be outside during the day but I will only do this if he is comfortable with it. Thanks, Shannon

DeadIrishD · Honored Member Joined: Jun 07, 2005 Posts: 265

I've had the weirdest idea now for a while, but don't know 1. how I got the idea, or 2. if this would work.

You know the cat beds on that hang near the window, would that work some? not 100% as good as being outside though.

the thing that gets me wondering about if this will work, is because by nature tegus are terrestrial.

GuinnyOne · Member Joined: Nov 07, 2005 Posts: 37

Neat idea...2 problems.
1: tegu could fall...
2: UVB (the beneficial factor of offering natural sunlight) does not pass through glass at any kind of usable levels...double-paned, forget it.

You could try opening the window and replacing the screen. But most screens are designed to block uv rays. Then you have the problem of the tegu falling...or falling out the window when it figures out how to tear through the screen. Just my thoughts.

My tegu gets freaked out when I try to take her outside...and there aren't any cars. So I don't know what the answer is.

Although, perhaps, taking it out in something like one of those cat carriers with the metal grated tops??? It couldn't get out as long as it is a larger baby at least. And perhaps it would feel more secure to get used to a new environment instead of just being on a leash. Eventually you could move back to the leash, I would think.

DeadIrishD · Honored Member Joined: Jun 07, 2005 Posts: 265

Heh forgot about that part, as theres a window above the couch in my living room, and my beds under the window in my room.

CRG · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:21 am Post subject:

Shan,I think the recording idea is a good one..He can get used to the sound in a safe enviroment...I would still take him outside for short little walks, like five minutes and gradually increase the time till he gets used to it....I think the long term benefits and the enjoyment he would get out of being outdoors is worth the bit of stress now..

I take my bluey out during the summers and he was very skittish at first but now he adores it..I intend to do the same next summer for my tegu..

Shan · Honored Member Joined: Jul 26, 2005 Posts: 155

Thanks a lot for all of the replys. I think I will try the recording and let all of you know how it goes. The dog kennel that I fixed up for him is eight feet by twelve feet and six feet high. It has concrete flooring I can cover in cypress mulch. I think he will enjoy it if I can get him used to the noises. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. Thanks again, Shannon