Monitors & Tegus for Sale
Monitor lizards and Tegus are rather large reptiles from many areas and climates around the Asian and African continents. They even share genes with the intimidating Komodo dragon. These lizards can grow anywhere from 1’-7’ in length depending on the species and environment, and they can live up to 10 years or more if cared for properly. A happy, healthy Monitor lizard or Tegu is active, generally alert, has crystal clear eyes, with a rounded, full tail and body, healthy-looking skin, a regular eater, and has a clear nose and vent. Please call ahead to confirm the store location you'd like to visit has Monitor lizards and Tegus for sale available.
Monitor & Tegu Diet
A Monitor lizard or Tegu will eat foods such as most gut-loaded insects such as crickets and worms, but will occasionally enjoy larger prey like goldfish and small rodents. If a live rodent is being fed to the lizard, do not leave the two unattended for the rodent may decide to fight back and injure the reptile. Dog or cat food should be avoided entirely due to their high fat content. Fresh, de-chlorinated water should be readily available and vitamin and calcium supplements used weekly. Younger Monitors will usually eat 3 times a week while an adult may only eat 1 or 2 times a week.
Monitor & Tegu Habitat
The size of the habitat will depend on the size of the lizard and may change as the Monitor or Tegu grows. It should be large enough for exercising and typical behaviors of the lizard. These lizards do like to climb, so plenty of strong branches and limbs, driftwood or logs, and large rocks can be utilized for this purpose. Lizards shed their skin on a regular basis, so keep humidity levels well-regulated and provide things that aid in the process of shedding such as sphagnum moss or a shedding box. They also enjoy soaking in large water bowls, or during frequent baths. The substrate needed for this reptile can be mulch-like such as sphagnum moss, damp bark, or coconut fiber. Temperatures should range from around 100°F in the warmer end of the enclosure and about 70°F on the cooler end with 60-80% humidity through daily misting. Radiant heat is best with an incandescent bulb for basking and ceramic heater or red/black incandescent lights as primary heat sources. The Monitor or Tegu also needs 10-12 hours of exposure to UVB/UVA rays. Being such strong and large predators, they should be housed on their own. A secure lid is necessary as they are quite the capable jumpers, also!
Are Monitors or Tegus Right for Me?
Though Monitors and Tegus are not naturally tame, they can have a somewhat calm demeanor with regular human interaction. They are also said to be very intelligent, with some species even being able to count! They can be potty trained, leash trained, and come when called with proper attention and training. However, any reptile is capable of carrying diseases such as Salmonella, so always washing your hands after touching your pet or any of its habitat items/substances is a must. For this reason, small children and pregnant women should not handle these pets or their associated items/substances. If you can accommodate to the large size and dietary needs of these lizards and would like an intriguing reptile that you can handle, then this pet may be just right for you! It can be a great, rewarding cold-blooded companion, especially if you cannot have a cat or dog.
At Uncle Bill’s Pet Center, we not only offer Monitor Lizards and Tegus for sale, we also employ a highly trained staff that can assist you in building an appropriate habitat for your new pet, and educate you on the proper care of the animal—making sure you get the most out of your pet ownership adventure!