Moral Dilema; words of wisdom appreciated

[DavidRosi]

Hi everyone,

Recently saw a local ad for a fully grown argentine tegu. The advert seemed very vague, but I went to see him regardless... When I arrived he was in a poorly made custom viv, with next to zero burrow-able substrate and in all very dire living conditions. It absolutely broke my heart to think he'd lived his whole life like this (he is a healthy looking 'gu considering)

My Dilema is wether or not to take him on; I do have the room and more than enough funds to sort him out a proper viv and the likes.

My only worry is for my columbians reaction; as crazy as this may or may not sound; I cared for a friends common boa for a few weeks and his mood changed dramatically, wether this was because of the scent? Or the presence of another creature in his territory I'm not 100% sure...

Just wanted people's thoughts, opinions and the likes.


Thanks guys.

 

[Ntyvirus]

Adverse reaction was probably due to scent. If possible I'd keep them as far away as possible just in case.

 

[kymzilla]

My beardie went apeshit when i got my golden. Not so bad now unless i put the gu next to his tank.

 

[Bubblz Calhoun]

It shouldn't be much of an issue, for at least the first two months he should be quarantined and in a separate area from the Colombian anyway. After quarantine and everything checks out that he's not carrying anything harmful that can be passed on to your Colombian then they can be housed in the same area.

Since he's not coming from the best conditions, even if he was, you never know what he was exposed to or could be carrying. After quarantine it'll take time but the Colombian will adjust to the new scent and presence of the other tegu.

Milla wasn't too pleased when I got Natsuki, the first time she saw him she rushed at the doors, huffing, puffing and tried to get him. Even though he was like five or six times her size. After some time she settled down and would watch him roaming when ever he was in view. When she was out and he was in his cage she tried to get in for a bit. They still haven't met yet without barriers but for now that's just my choice.

 

[dragonmetalhead]

Is the tegu healthy? As much as well all want to save all the herps we can, it's not point to throw money away if it's just gonna die on you right away.

 

[larissalurid]

Just offer a reasonable price considering the conditions and everything else. I'd save him if I were you and give him a good home.

As for your columbian, if you were away for a week that could have been part of it, as well as the smell of the snake definitely playing a huge role. I know kingsnakes FLIP out if they smell my boa on me if I just held him and didn't wash off. lol

Just keep them separate and he will be fine, he will get used to it eventually. just don't put their cages in sight of each other either.

 

[m3s4]

If it were me, I'd take him in and give him the best possible home.

In his current state, he might not live long enough to enjoy the rest of his life - with you that uncertainty can be changed into a positive end result for the both of you.

If not you, who?