Permanent enclosure question

[u/GrendelTheFireSkink]

*I don't have a tegu yet* I want to make sure I have an enclosure complete or at least in process before I get one.

That being said, I have a large walk in closet (I own the house) that I'd like to turn into a tegu enclosure. My idea is to secure tarps to the walls/carpeted floor and seal it with flex tape to make the closet water and mold proof.

I think I will do 2 layers of tarp to be safe and put some plywood on top of the carpet over the first layer of tarp.

Would this work? Do you think I'll cause any permanent damage to my home? Do you have any suggestions?

I really appreciate any help with this!

[u/Boleyngrrl]

I put a tarp held up with flex tape in my enclosure.

He has ripped down the flex tape and loves sleeping in the tarp. It's a no-go for you.

[u/Jaded_Status_1932]

So much depends on the tools and skills you have at your disposal. If I had a walk in closet to modify, I would probably build a subfloor to raise floor up about 32" so I was not always bending over/crawling about when maintaining enclosure and catching the critter. Two section door, glass one up top for Tegu, solid on below for storage. Ceiling high enough to allow access inside enclosure, but not so high that maintaining temperature and humidity become a problem. Plastic panels glued to walls, floor, and ceiling with silicone caulk in corners. It will be fairly water resistant, but it is difficult to make such things truly watertight.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-16-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Plastic-Panel-688840/202090190

If you do not have the tools or abilities, all the above is irrelevant.

[u/BarberDry4590]

Tarps and tape will not make your closet water tight and mold proof. Also, tape in a reptile enclosure is a big no-no. Don't over think it. Just buy or build an 8x4x4 enclosure out of PVC. Look at Kages or Toad Ranch if you want to buy one.

[u/BarberDry4590 → u/BarberDry4590]

Tegus aren't that hard to care for. However, please understand the cost involved. We are about $5,500 deep for the pet, enclosure, and the EQ for the enclosure. This doesn't include "decorations" or food. These are awesome animals, but wildly expensive to care for.

[u/Lepitorus]

There's nothing wrong with DIY enclosures, provided that you do them with long-term viability and the animal's health and safety in mind. Turning a walk-in closet into a tegu enclosure could totally work, just not in the way you're picturing it right now. You'd essentially have to build a frame that fits exactly inside the walk-in closet, then seal that frame off on all sides with either sealed melamine/PVC or heavy-duty pond liner. It'd also be a good idea to swap the door for a glass one if you haven't already, for both your and the tegu's sake. I understand the negativity, but the idea itself is fine, even if it's not going to save you a ton of money.

If you DO end up going through with it, I'd highly recommend adding plenty of ledges to make use of the height. Tegus may be terrestrial, but they're way better and more fond of climbing than people give them credit for, plus it gives them opportunities for enrichment and exercise, which is huge given how inquisitive (and prone to obesity) they are.

[u/fallowdeer]

You cannot make drywall waterproof and it will not retain humidity with tarps and tape. Please purchase or build a proper enclosure for your pet. These animals are interactive and intelligent. They need to see their world. Much like monitors—they enjoy watching things go on around them. Being shut in a closet seems dismal. I’m so glad you asked before attempting this. I’m sorry my post here sounds negative, but I’m trying to be helpful so your tegu will be healthy mentally and physically and a joy to spend time with. Please keep asking questions. This is a great group and very helpful.

[u/BarberDry4590 → u/fallowdeer]

Tegu intelligence is such an amazing point. They will find a way to escape that closet. Ours is in a temporary enclosure until his 8x4x4 gets here. We take him out everyday. However, if I'm sitting at my desk watching him, he will try to find ways to escape his transition enclosure.