Is it safe to have a Tegu with a small child?
Keeping any animal with teeth and sharp nails with a small child should only be done under close parental supervision and only after determining the temperament of the animal. Tegus are generally calm and docile once they reach sub adult size. Once acclimated to being around people and being handled they are for the most part friendly and gentile. My children and their friends have been handling our Tegus since they were 8 years old and never a mishap. It is important to wash hands with an antibacterial soap both before and after handling.
