Hatchling Enclosure

[Diablo]

I found this 4ft long 2ft deep 14in tall enclosure on craiglist for about 100$. Was wondering if it would be a good start for a baby tegu and how long it would be about until they outgrow it? I have a 20g long tank already but I figured that would be way too small, and this cage has light fixtures built into it already.

 

[Vince]

Looking at the picture, I'd almost think you'd run out of depth for substrate before the dimensions became an issue. I've always heard the rule of thumb was for the length to be about twice that of the lizard's.

Going by that, I'd guess would probably be okay until around time for the first hibernation (if the new one hibernates its first winter).

But like I said, looking at the picture I don't know if the substrate might get too shallow before long. Plus with a low dam like that, you'll might get irritated with substrate getting in the crook of the door along the bottom hinges and obstructing the doors from closing well.

 

[Diablo]

I was a little worried about that too... I'm not sure so I'm going to meet him and find out if itll be good enough or not. I might just go with it for now, and if I have to I could just make adjustments to it maybe?

 

[agv0008]

You could put some wood across the front to hold in the substrate, it would block about half of the door opening though.

 

[Vince]

Doesn't cost anything to look

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You could put some wood across the front to hold in the substrate, it would block about half of the door opening though.

Good idea!

Feeling *derp* for not thinking of it, especially since I've seen it done before.

 

[agv0008]

Doesn't cost anything to look

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You could put some wood across the front to hold in the substrate, it would block about half of the door opening though.

Good idea!

Feeling *derp* for not thinking of it, especially since I've seen it done before.

Once all the substrate is in there, the wood panel should stay in place. I added a pic... Happy engineering (aka rigging)!

 

[Diablo]

Well I ended up getting the enclosure. It's really nice actually and I can always just put a piece of wood up for substrate to pile up against. It's only a minor detail, but for growing up in I wanted my little tegu to have a nice enclosure instead of a 20g long tank. I might end up putting him in that though for a month until he grows slightly bigger. Would this enclosure be too big for him as a hatchling? I cleaned it up and took a picture but its not letting me post a reply when I hit reply and add an attachment. Keeps giving me an error saying bad request,