Red Tegu Care Guide: Everything New Owners Need to Know

Red tegus (Salvator rufescens) are large, powerful lizards known for their striking red colouration, intelligence, and calm temperament. Originating from parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, these impressive reptiles are closely related to the Argentine black and white tegu but are often described as more docile and easier to handle.

If you’re considering getting a red tegu as a pet, it’s crucial to understand their specific care requirements. They are highly rewarding pets for experienced reptile keepers who can commit to meeting their space, diet, and environmental needs. This guide will cover everything you need to know to keep a red tegu happy and healthy.

What is a Red Tegu?

Red tegus are one of the largest tegu species, with adults growing up to 120–140 cm in length and weighing up to 9–10 kg. Males are significantly larger and more robust than females, with thicker jowls and a more muscular build.

Their unique red colouration becomes more vivid as they mature, particularly in males. They are highly intelligent and can recognise their keepers, respond to positive interactions, and even be toilet-trained with consistent training.

In captivity, red tegus can live for 15–20 years with proper care.

Sourcing and Selecting a Red Tegu

Choosing a healthy red tegu from a reputable source is essential for a successful experience.

Where to Buy

• Reputable breeders: Captive-bred tegus are generally healthier, more socialised, and better adapted to life in captivity.
• Specialist reptile shops: Some UK reptile shops stock red tegus, but always check their origin and health history.
• Rescue centres: Consider adopting a tegu in need of a home.

To help combat the illegal wildlife trade, avoid purchasing wild-caught tegus. These animals are often more aggressive, stressed, and likely to carry parasites, which can complicate their care.

What to Look For

When selecting a red tegu, look for these signs of good health:

• Bright, clear eyes with no discharge
• Smooth, clean skin with no retained shed
• A full, well-muscled body
• Active and alert behaviour
• No signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezing or nasal discharge

Housing and Enclosure Setup

Red tegus are large, active lizards that require a spacious enclosure with plenty of room to roam, dig, and bask. Their size and strength mean that a small vivarium will not be suitable - you’ll need a custom-built or large commercial enclosure.

Enclosure Size

For an adult red tegu, the minimum recommended enclosure size is 240 cm (L) x 120 cm (W) x 90 cm (H). A larger enclosure is always better, especially if you want to add more enrichment features.

Substrate

Red tegus love to burrow, so a deep, moisture-retaining substrate is essential. Suitable options include:

• Coconut coir and play sand mix
• Cypress mulch
• Organic topsoil (pesticide-free)

Provide at least 30–40 cm of substrate depth for digging and burrowing. Keep the substrate slightly moist to maintain appropriate humidity.

Heating and Lighting

Red tegus are ectothermic and need a temperature gradient in their enclosure to regulate their body temperature.

• Basking spot temperature: 40–45°C
• Ambient temperature: 25–30°C
• Night-time temperature: 20–24°C

Use a combination of basking bulbs and ceramic heat emitters. UVB lighting is essential for tegus to synthesise vitamin D3 and prevent metabolic bone disease. Use a 10–12% UVB bulb and replace it every six months.

Humidity

Maintain humidity levels between 60–80%. Regular misting and providing a large water dish will help keep the humidity at the correct level. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity.

Diet and Nutrition

Red tegus are omnivores with a diverse diet consisting of animal protein, fruits, and vegetables. Providing a varied diet is essential to prevent nutritional deficiencies and keep your tegu healthy.

Staple Foods

• Lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish)
• Insects (crickets, dubia roaches, locusts)
• Eggs (scrambled or hard-boiled)
• Fruits such as blueberries, mango, strawberries, and papaya
• Vegetables such as collard greens, dandelion greens, butternut squash, and carrots

Occasional Treats

• Pinkie mice or small rodents (sparingly, as they are high in fat)
• Snails

Supplementation

Dust their food with calcium powder with vitamin D3 three times a week and a multivitamin supplement once a week. Always provide fresh water in a large dish and change it daily.

Handling and Behaviour

Red tegus are known for their calm, docile nature and can become incredibly tame with regular handling. They are intelligent and can form bonds with their keepers, often seeking out interaction once they trust you.

Tips for Handling

• Start handling your tegu when it is young, using short and gentle sessions.
• Support their entire body, especially their legs and tail.
• Allow them to come to you rather than forcing interactions.
• Move slowly and avoid sudden movements to prevent stress.

With time and patience, most red tegus will learn to enjoy human interaction and become affectionate pets.

Common Health Issues

Red tegus are generally hardy reptiles, but improper care can lead to health problems.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

Caused by calcium deficiency and lack of UVB exposure. Symptoms include lethargy, soft or deformed bones, and difficulty moving.

Respiratory Infections

Often caused by incorrect humidity or temperature levels. Symptoms include wheezing, nasal discharge, and open-mouth breathing.

Obesity

Tegus can easily become overweight if fed too many high-fat foods or not given enough exercise. Monitor their diet and weight carefully.

Parasites

Internal parasites are more common in wild-caught tegus. Symptoms include diarrhoea, lethargy, and weight loss. A faecal test by a reptile vet can detect parasites early.

If you notice any signs of illness, consult a reptile specialist vet immediately.

Specialist Vet Care

Red tegus don’t require vaccinations, but regular health checks are recommended.

Routine Health Checks

An annual visit to a reptile vet is advised. This should include a physical examination and a faecal test for parasites.

Emergency Situations

Seek immediate veterinary care if your tegu shows signs of:

• Significant weight loss
• Persistent lethargy or refusal to eat
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Visible injuries or swollen limbs

Care and Maintenance

Maintaining a clean and well-regulated enclosure is essential for your red tegu’s health.

Daily Tasks

• Check temperatures and humidity levels
• Remove uneaten food and spot-clean waste
• Ensure fresh water is available

Weekly Tasks

• Clean and disinfect water dishes and hides
• Inspect heating and lighting equipment

Monthly Tasks

• Deep-clean the enclosure and replace substrate if needed
• Replace UVB bulbs every six months

Final Thoughts

Red tegus are intelligent, powerful, and highly rewarding pets for those willing to meet their care requirements. They require a large enclosure, a varied diet, and regular interaction to thrive in captivity. For experienced reptile keepers, red tegus can develop into affectionate and engaging companions.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to provide your red tegu with the best possible care and a happy, healthy life.