Differentiating between Argentine and Columbian Tegus:
​By Rose Childers for the Tropoddity Family
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The Colombian Tegus are easily confused with the Argentine Tegu who have similar markings but have distinctive scales. Where the Argentine Tegu, and the Blue Tegu has two loreal scales while the Columbian Tegu, T.teguixin, has only one (the loreal scales are directly between the nostril and the eye). Also, the Columbian tegus have very smooth scales that completely cover the animal. The Columbian tegus are smooth, like a skink almost. The Argentine Black & White and the Blue Tegu has a beaded skin, like that of a Gila monster. You may at some time, also hear of what is referred to as a "Gold Tegu", it is the same as a Columbian Tegu- T. teguixin, only difference is color/marking and perhaps locality.​​
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Tegu 102
Argentine>
<Columbian
Tegus are "mainly" carnivores but may take some fruit in their diet, therefore are considered omnivore's, unlike the Columbian Tegu - T. teguixin, who are strictly meat eaters. They need a variety of meat items including frozen, thawed rodents, eggs(the overuse of infertile bird eggs, such as readily available chicken eggs, can result in a lack of biotin), ground turkey/chicken, frozen, chicken or beef organs such as hearts, livers, etc. Insects such as crickets, superworms, mealworms, and roaches are also relished; particularly by hatchlings and juveniles. They also eat (with the exception of the Blues and Columbians)various fruits including but not limited to raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, mango, pear, banana -(only in moderation), apple, melons etc. A mixed diet of these food items, four to five times per week, is ideal and will ensure proper growth and health. Feeding amounts should be started with small portions and add more. The Tegu will tell you when it's had enough, so go ahead and experiment with the many different foods he will eat. Up until one year of age they eat animal-matter (eggs, cat food, insects, fish, etc), and after they reached a year of age they start eating more fruit and plant-matter too. Feeding amounts should be started with small portions and add more. The Tegu will tell you when it's had enough.
footnote; See posting on Tegu diet recipe..
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​You can use a multivitamin supplement such as Repti-Cal and you can also use cod liver oil sparingly.
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Tegu's have a very quick growth rate, almost reaching its full length in a year, therefore I prefer not to talk much about what you need for a baby, due to the speed in which a Tegu grows. Here I will mainly talk about the proper sizing of cage to be used as an adult. The minimum size cage would be a 6x3x3, (more suitable for Blue Tegu and the Columbian Tegu)... However, the best size would be 8x4x3. I will tell you that under no circumstances is it wise to try and use an aquarium, as they just cannot hold the proper heat or moisture that is required for them. You might be able to get away with an aquarium for a short while with a baby, but not for long. I feel it is best to treat any age Tegu as an adult, as far as space availability and feeding programs... from the beginning! At adult size, you're going to need a cage that is wide enough to be able to turn around in easily and high enough for lighting to not be to close to them, causing skin burns, and long enough to have both a warmer end and a cooler end to the cage.
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1. 2 LBs of Ground Turkey
2. 3 hard boiled eggs with shells
3. 2 tbs of Calcium powder
4. 1 tbs Multivitamin.
Tropoddity Turkey mix!
What is on the Menu?
How much space do they need?
What to use for Substrate?
Definitely NO pine or cedar shavings for bedding as it will release toxins or gases form it's sap that are poisonous to reptiles. Also I do not recommend the use of corncob bedding, as it does not hold any moisture. Some use Coco fiber, EchoEarth, Repti-bark, eucalyptus, orchid bark some even use straw... However, I find that for me personally, Cyprus bark or mulch works the best for my setups. I have less dust by using Cyprus mulch (which could lead to respiratory problems for them and myself) . It also can hold moisture as long and well as anything else I could use and they love to bury themselves in it. And best of all, I can buy it in bulk bags at landscape yards, and big box stores. (Around here, they even sell it at gas stations, most year around.) When using mulch types, the bedding should be deep enough to allow your tegu to dig and bury itself. My cages are around 5-6" deep with mulch. Keep in mind that constant cleaning of any type of substrate is required to assure the health and well-being of your Tegu.