Colombian Tegu?

CHRISANDBOIDS14 · 05-17-04, 11:25 PM

Hey all,

I've found some decent priced($150 o.b.o) Colombian tegu babies in my city. I just have a question about the diet and about adult size.

I have heard they are carnivorous and insectivorious only and I have heard they are omnivorous. Which is true? And if they are omnivorous, what kind of fruits/veggies should I feed one and how much of the diet should It consist of. I have some idea of what kinds of fruits, and I have seen that you should feed them up to 70% of fruits and veggies in their diet, or none at all. Thanks.

Also, would the approximate size of an adult be between 3' and 3.5'?

Thanks!

Cheers!

C.

JeffT · 05-18-04, 03:33 PM

I cant remember if its columbian, or argentine, or both...but I think they average 4.5-5 feet with tail and need a cage minimum of 7 ft long 2 high and 3 deep.

As for omnivores or not, I would think their diet is like a 80% meat and 20% veggie matter. From what i've real they eat mean and lots of it.

chuck911jeep · 05-18-04, 05:53 PM

Colombian tegu are insectivorious and carnivore. Argentina black and white tegu are omnivorous. Argentina tegu is by far the better

CHRISANDBOIDS14 · 05-18-04, 11:15 PM

Alright, this is getting supper confusing! I keep talking to more people and its 50/50 on their diet being omnivorous or carnivorous. I've averaged out and figured that I should feed one a 70% protein 30% veggies and fruits. Does that sound right? I've heard this from keepers of colombians.

C.

kap10cavy · 05-19-04, 12:02 AM

Ask the breeder you are buying from what he feeds his.

Scott

chuck911jeep · 05-19-04, 05:19 PM

tupinambis teguixin (columbian tegu) don't need fruit, they can eat some but don't need for their health, even more, most of them don't like fruits at all . Tupinambis merianae (Argentina black and white tegu)and tupinambis rufescens (red tegu) eat lots of fruit and and those fruits are benefit for their shed and their health.

CHRISANDBOIDS14 · 05-19-04, 07:18 PM

Alright, thank-you. I might not be getting one. Im sorting out what im doing with my money right now.

C.

timminsreptiles · 05-19-04, 08:03 PM

Ive had a few columbians and yes both the Argentine and Columbians are Omnivorous. for a columbian i would go 70% animal protein and 30% vegetation......many columbians will just lick the juices from fruit rather than eating it and as Chuck911jeep said "they can eat some but don't need for their health" and will grow to 3'.. The argentine on the other hand needs vegitation in order to remain healthy 70%plant-30% protein. The Argentine is also more cold tolerant due to where its found and will grow to 4-4.5'.........Hope this helps

CHRISANDBOIDS14 · 05-19-04, 10:19 PM

Thanks.

C.

Tim and Julie B · 05-19-04, 11:26 PM

My Tegus eat grapes. One gold and one unidentified. They love them. Actually come to think of it I think the one has eaten everything it has seen. It did a complete backflip chasing crickets yesterday.
Hey if the person has captive bred them then he/she must be doing it right. Ask for their opinion and read as much literature as you can find by qualified people. That's the best advice I can give. TB