Trying to integrate two tegus of different sizes.

videodogg44 · Member Joined: Jul 17, 2005 Posts: 52

I have a large female Red 3.5 feet and heavy. I also have a smaller female B/W argentine, just under 2 feet long. They have known of each other for over 2 years now. They have met, through glass mainly, and occassional close encounters. The Red seems intent on eating or doing harm to the smaller one. Its always a aggressive charge and the small one flees in terror. I never let it get too far. I dont know what would really happen if i just let them work it out. Is it just a domination thing where it will blow over if they are just left alone, or do you think the Red will mutilate the B/W?

agallegos37 · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 11:41 am Post subject:

It would probably be a VERY bad idea to leave them alone :/ Maybe when they're both adults they'll get along?

angelrose · Moderator Joined: Jan 05, 2008 Posts: 1470

so far, I have experienced in mutual areas my male colombian (smaller) go after my female argentine (larger).
and
my 4ft female argentine go after my 3 1/2ft. male argentine. but there have been successes with the others of different sizes. you can try but keep a watchful eye and pair of gloves handy in case you have to separate them.

this may help you:
http://thetegu.com/contentid-27.html

videodogg44 · Member Joined: Jul 17, 2005 Posts: 52

Just what kind of injury could the Red do to the smaller tegu ? Things can happen fast and i dont want to see a leg get torn off .

laurarfl · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 8:37 pm Post subject:

They have massive jaw power. Have you heard the bones crunch when they eat mice and birds? Now imagine that, but the smaller tegu is either trying to run or death-rolling. Rick has an article on introducing tegus, maybe that can help. I've heard the key is to have a neutral ground as some tegus are very territorial. All three of my Argentines will roam together, and two live together, but I have no doubt that my large B/W female would seriously harm any tegu that was in her enclosure.

http://thetegu.com/contentid-27.html
_________________
Laura R (FL)
0.1.0 Colombian Tegu
0.2.0 Argentine B&W Tegu
1.0.0 Red Tegu
1.0.0 Green Amevia (yet another teiid)
8 other lizards
1 little gator
13 snakes
4 frogs
some bugs
and a partridge in a pear tree

angelrose · Moderator Joined: Jan 05, 2008 Posts: 1470

...lol, same thread from Rick.

videodogg44 · Member Joined: Jul 17, 2005 Posts: 52

here they are...you can see the size difference;

laurarfl · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:01 am Post subject:

Oops, Angelrose, I didn't read your post clearly! Great minds think alike!

It's not just the size difference that can cause injury, it's the aggression of a tegu who doesn't want another around. I would proceed with caution if you have any doubts.
_________________
Laura R (FL)
0.1.0 Colombian Tegu
0.2.0 Argentine B&W Tegu
1.0.0 Red Tegu
1.0.0 Green Amevia (yet another teiid)
8 other lizards
1 little gator
13 snakes
4 frogs
some bugs
and a partridge in a pear tree

angelrose · Moderator Joined: Jan 05, 2008 Posts: 1470

you have awesome looking tegus

very beautiful and healthy.

but, I'm with laura. I have just seen a smaller tegu rip a piece of the jaw of a larger tegu.