How long do tegus live
Tegus live 15–20 years. They are robust but require correct brumation cycles (a cooling period) to stay healthy long-term; skipped brumation can disrupt hormones and appetite. The limits are improper enclosure size, poor diet (especially too much fruit/meat imbalance), and untreated respiratory infection from low temps.
Enclosure: think room, not tank
Adults need a custom enclosure of at least 6×3×3 ft (180×90×90 cm), often more; many keepers build a dedicated tegu room. Deep substrate for digging (cypress, topsoil mix), a large water tub, and a basking zone. Escape-proof is mandatory — tegus are strong, smart, and relentless diggers.
Heat, light, brumation
Basking 100–110°F (38–43°C), ambient 75–85°F (24–29°C), strong UVB. A winter cool-down (brumation) around 60–65°F (15–18°C) for 2–3 months is natural and supports health — research the protocol and vet it. Without proper cycles, adults may refuse food for months and deteriorate.
Diet: the omnivore balance
Tegus are omnivores: a base of high-quality dog food or formulated tegu diet, plus whole prey (rodents, chicks), eggs, insects, and fruit/veg. Adults eat 2–3 times weekly; overfeeding causes obesity. Hatchlings need daily insects. Avoid raw pork and excessive fruit. Socialized tegus are gentle but have a powerful bite if frightened.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating adult size — a tegu needs a room, not a tank.
- Skipping brumation — long-term health suffers.
- All-meat or all-fruit diet — nutritional imbalance.
- Poor escape-proofing — tegus are expert diggers.