Monitors & Tegus

Monitor lizards roam from tropical to desert habitats in the Old World. They're active, alert and intelligent predators, ranging from 12 inches to over 10 feet in length. Tegus are New World lizards from tropical to savannah ("pampas") habitats: strong, smart and sometimes lazy omnivores that reach 12 inches to almost 4 feet. In captivity both live 10 to 25 or more years.

temperature

Establish a gradient from 80°F on the cool end to 100°F on the hot end. Offer a choice of conditions, and make sure the cool side never exceeds 80°F.

WATER & HUMIDITY

Mist tropical species' enclosures at least once a day and provide a large water bowl, changed daily. Desert species can be misted lightly on occasion and offered a small water bowl, also changed daily.

shelter & cage size

Offer branches and hollow hides for arboreal (tree-climbing) lizards, and large logs, burls and rock hides for ground dwellers. These lizards are strong and messy, so furniture should be sturdy and easy to clean or discard. Give babies and gravid females a hide box on the hot side filled with damp sand, peat or a mix, and keep it clean.

Enclosure size: monitors and tegus vary greatly as adults. Some do well in a 30-plus-gallon enclosure; others need one as big as a room in your house. Choose your species by the space you have.

SUBSTRATE

Desert species: dry sand, peat or small non-toxic shavings. Tropical species: damp orchid bark, peat or coco products.

DIET & feeding

Feed babies daily and adults every other day. Offer as much variety as possible: crickets, kingworms, wax worms, mice, rats, chicken. Tegus should also get vegetable plates of leafy greens and plenty of tropical fruit. Don't let uneaten food build up, and remove any uneaten live rodents before leaving the room.

supplements

Dust all insects, vegetables and un-weaned rodents with a quality multivitamin and calcium powder at every feeding. Without them your lizard can develop deficiencies that are crippling or fatal.

LIGHTING

Monitors and tegus are diurnal and bask most of the day. Offer full-spectrum (UVB) lighting in addition to a heat source. It aids metabolism of key vitamins and minerals and helps prevent calcium and vitamin D3 deficiencies.

medical concerns

The first sign of a problem is usually a lack of appetite. Check enclosure temperatures and hiding options, correct anything off and observe. If the environment is right and problems persist, call us.

LIGHTING OPTION 1

FAQ

How often do I clean and clip?

Change the water and spot clean daily. Wash the whole enclosure with hot soapy water or reptile cleaner every other week, rinse well and dry. Clip nails every two weeks: clip each claw flat where the hook ends, avoid the quick and keep styptic powder on hand.

How do I help with a stuck shed?

Soak once a week in a shallow bath of tepid water for 30 minutes or more, then peel loose skin by hand. Pay attention to the toes and tail; incomplete sheds can cost digits. Baby tegus should have an enclosed box of damp sand or peat on the hot side.

How do I handle a monitor or tegu?

Once your lizard is stable and feeding, start handling. Fifteen or more minutes a day goes a long way toward a tame pet, which matters once these lizards get large.