Hi guys!
I just recently got my 7 week old Argentine black and white tegu. I have a few questions on taming (I did 2 years on studying the animal, health, food, requirements, and how to make it a friend). But like always, things don't always go as scripted. Sorry for the long post in advance.
So, they day i got him, I had to pick him up from the airport, he was in a plastic container inside a box. When i opened the box to get out the container, he was VICIOUS, tail whipping, mouth opened, jumping at me (well trying to, he couldn't get through the lid). I put the container into tje terrarium, and as i was opening the lid he jumped through almost getting me. I understand he was in defensive mode, and i knew it was a bad first impression fo him lol. So, with ths knowledge I've gained in the reading, I knew it will take some time to gain trust. So for the first week at least i have to Ignore him, just do chores and do not try to touch him. I know slow and steady wins the race and am ok with it. Well, I knew he didn't eat the day before, so i gave him food, i was about to leave to give him space, but he went to the food and began eating while i was there. He left some food so i know he was full. When I took out his dish, i decided to leave my hand in there just so he can see i am no threat, and expected him to hiss and puff, but instead, he showed interest and came to my hand, licked it, crawled on, then walked off. I was shocked. The next day, same thing. The day after, he layed on my hand and stayed there. I figured at this point, hes showing interest before me, so i did the same, and he let me pet under his chin and dozed off for a bit. It's only been 4 days i have him, but this seems awfully fast, and am confused if i should try to hold him to take him to a new bin, or wait until he shows zero signs of stress (kind of opens his eyes fast, slightly sits up, but no hissing or puffing). I really don't want to rush anything, but he seems to be "taming" down extremely fast.
I just recently got my 7 week old Argentine black and white tegu. I have a few questions on taming (I did 2 years on studying the animal, health, food, requirements, and how to make it a friend). But like always, things don't always go as scripted. Sorry for the long post in advance.
So, they day i got him, I had to pick him up from the airport, he was in a plastic container inside a box. When i opened the box to get out the container, he was VICIOUS, tail whipping, mouth opened, jumping at me (well trying to, he couldn't get through the lid). I put the container into tje terrarium, and as i was opening the lid he jumped through almost getting me. I understand he was in defensive mode, and i knew it was a bad first impression fo him lol. So, with ths knowledge I've gained in the reading, I knew it will take some time to gain trust. So for the first week at least i have to Ignore him, just do chores and do not try to touch him. I know slow and steady wins the race and am ok with it. Well, I knew he didn't eat the day before, so i gave him food, i was about to leave to give him space, but he went to the food and began eating while i was there. He left some food so i know he was full. When I took out his dish, i decided to leave my hand in there just so he can see i am no threat, and expected him to hiss and puff, but instead, he showed interest and came to my hand, licked it, crawled on, then walked off. I was shocked. The next day, same thing. The day after, he layed on my hand and stayed there. I figured at this point, hes showing interest before me, so i did the same, and he let me pet under his chin and dozed off for a bit. It's only been 4 days i have him, but this seems awfully fast, and am confused if i should try to hold him to take him to a new bin, or wait until he shows zero signs of stress (kind of opens his eyes fast, slightly sits up, but no hissing or puffing). I really don't want to rush anything, but he seems to be "taming" down extremely fast.
