FAQ: General Care of Tegus

Tegus are large, South American lizards commonly referred to as tegus. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the general care of tegus.

What are the Different types of Tegus?
Blue, Albino Blue, Black & White, Gold, and of course... Red.

How much do Tegus cost?
I have personally seen them sell for as little as $50 in bulk price to as much as $500 for a colorful adult. Prices depend on sex, size, color, age and lineage. Just remember that the price of the Tegu is only the beginning. You still need to buy the cage and all the supplies. That can run about $200+ depending on your choices.

Do they bite?
Any animal with teeth can bite. If they are handled properly they generally do not bite. Their teeth are sharp and pointy. If they bite, you must be careful not to pull away and thereby cause a tear. The other thing to be cautious of is a “death roll”. Just like gators and crocs, when they bite, they roll in order to tear off chunks of meat from large prey. Tegus will also take up an aggressive posture, tail whip and head butt when they feel threatened.

How big will my Tegu grow?
It varies due to many factors and they all grow at different rates. With proper husbandry, a Red Tegu of good genetic background can grow to about 4 foot and weigh 20 lbs. Just like people, they grow at different rates and have growth spurts where they grow so fast you can almost see them grow. Some factors that can influence the growth rate of a Tegu include: Genetic background, cage size, amount and type of food, competition for food, amount of light, type and amount of UV light, proper vitamins and supplements, being raised indoor or outdoor, stress levels and the general happiness of the animal.

Is it safe to have a Tegu with a small child?
Keeping any animal with teeth and sharp nails with a small child should only be done under close parental supervision and only after determining the temperament of the animal. Tegus are generally calm and docile once they reach sub adult size. Once acclimated to being around people and being handled they are for the most part friendly and gentile. My children and their friends have been handling our Tegus since they were 8 years old and never a mishap. It is important to wash hands with an antibacterial soap both before and after handling.

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