How to tell when a bite is coming? (young tegu)

[Vayjining22]

Hello, just a quick question.

I have been just starting to work with my new tegu. The first time I set my hand in its cage after doing some spot cleaning and waiting still for about 10 minutes... Curiosity kicked in and here he came.

However when he came by he decided to taste test me, I was semi prepared for this and didn't pull away or anything and he walked away.

Now I'm trying it with a closed fist as I type this and he came over very cautiously tongue going normal speed (not feeding time speed) and I chickened out and moved away slowly. ..... Sad i know

I just don't want him to start normally testing my skin.

Any suggestions?

Also non related but the lower half of his tail is very "pink", is this normal in a young red?

*pics are blurry, he was on the moove*

 

[N8bub]

Don't be scared that tegu is little. It won't hurt, puppies, babies, and tegus all try outthe world with their mouth. I've had young monitors as well as my tegu bite me when small. I think it lets them know your not food and you might as well get it done before they get big. You don't want a test bite then!

 

[Vayjining22]

True. Guess I just need to suck It up!

 

[Derek Doel]

I have had my black and white for a year and a half now and he always tongue licks me, never been bitten once. He has jumped on me a few times, and that leaves about 20 scratch marks