Thinking about getting an Argentine B&W, have some quest

SnakeFreak · New Member Joined: Sep 02, 2005 Posts: 1

First of all, I've read some caresheets that say monitors and tegus don't need a uvb light if you give them a calcium and D3 supplement, is this true? And this probably sounds weird, but for some reason I find males with big jowls grotesque looking. Is the jowl size random, or is it effected by how much fat the tegu has? I'm not talking about starving it or anything, but would keeping it a little on the slim side keep the jowls smaller? I'm thinking about just getting a female, but I've heard that its better to keep a male as a pet because males tend to be somewhat calmer than females and because females can become eggbound. Is this true? And how likely is it that a tegu will try to hibernate? Is there any way you can keep it from hibernating? I'm not sure I want a pet that I can't do anything with for half the year.

Teiidae

Johelian · Retired Mod Joined: Nov 22, 2004 Posts: 848

In addition to Edges post, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of UVB and you will read a lot of conflicting accounts. Technically, if the D3 supplementation is exact to the animals needs it doesnt need UVB, but a lack will result in deficiencies with dire consequences, and over supplementation can poison the animal. Im not sure there is even a precise chart for any reptile that dictates how much D3 it needs - which is why UVB and calcium supplementation is offered to lizards kept indoors to allow them to synthesise exactly what they need (rather than us bungling humans trying to guess for them

) Also, a diet with plenty of adults rodents and insects/fruits/veg etc should provide all the necessary vits. However, I personally use a UVB tube in my viv to be safe, and offer a multivit supplement once a week.

I would definitely recommend a UVB source for a baby tegu, which has a lot of growing to do and in which MBD may quickly develop. They also brighten up the cage nicely to stimulate activity.

cynthia · New Member Joined: Sep 18, 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Phoenix

I have a 12 year old son that has had a bull frog now for 3 years, he got it as a tadpole so he has proven himself with commitment. He has been doing much research on Armadillo reptiles and a black and white tegu.
My question is in regards to picking the best rep. Everyone that we talk with wants to sell us the lizard that they seem to be having a hard time getting rid of. We are looking for a lizard that will be interesting enough to want to spend time with and yet mild mannered enough to be able to.
I am getting mixed reviews. can someone offer some advice before we make the purchase?

Teiidae · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 6:21 pm Post subject: Re: ? on this topic

cynthia · New Member Joined: Sep 18, 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Phoenix

thank you. They said it is a pair of columbian black and white Tegu..
I will check it out though. We want the smaller and more calm option if that is possible.

Teiidae · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 6:35 pm Post subject:

cynthia · New Member Joined: Sep 18, 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Phoenix

wow.

we may need to find something that maxes out at around 24 inches or so. The Tegu seems like a bit more than I am ready for - after reading more on their size. Other than that ... I am jealous. We are meeting with a breeder tomorrow. He may have some other ideas too...
Thanks Cynthia

drfish · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 6:24 am Post subject:

Something more like Bearded Dragon size would maybe be more suitable then.

They max out at around 24-30" I believe, and have a fairly mild manner.

Teiidae · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 7:35 am Post subject:

A big beardie may max out to around 24" - and they are very easy to make friends with

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cynthia · New Member Joined: Sep 18, 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Phoenix

Good idea. We will check that out. There are also 2 Armadillo lizards my son was looking at .
My biggest frustration is in the contradiction in information from care sheets to breeders to pet store people. Everyone has had a different experience with the same type of critter. We should know more this evening- after visiting with a breeder. We may even hold out till the reptile show he was telling me about.

drfish · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:24 am Post subject:

You'll find this with just about any reptile species. A lot comes down to personal experiences, but they may differ hugely from a qualified vet's idea of care.

Either way, the advice can be collated, and a common sense approach taken from it.

For the most part, the main bulk of the care will be mirrored by most herp owners. these tend to be heat, light, water, humidity etc.

stano40 · Member Joined: May 02, 2005 Posts: 29

i have all three beardie, tegu and armadillo lizards.if your son wants a lizard just to watch the armadillo is fun to watch but too flighty to handle. the tegu grow very fast and are BIG but are great to interact with,the beardie are very comical, more manageable size wise and can be interacted with.also keep in mind what you will be comfortable feeding your lizard as tegu and beardies eat mice. good luck and have fun with what you choose.
Michelle

arf-man · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:52 pm Post subject:

cynthia · New Member Joined: Sep 18, 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Phoenix

Wow we went today and looked at the pair (Colombian Black Tegu). My son has decided on getting just the female. They were just way too beautiful to pass up. So we are preparing the new home. If it were up to me I would have gotten the blue tongue skink he had.
I am sure we will have many questions and photos as the adventure continues.