Hello all -

I have a new, very old and very grumpy Tegu. He's 21 and I'm his third home. I've had him for about a month now and he's very, very snappy.

Anytime I have him out of his enclosure, he'll eye me down and try to take a bite at me. Same when he's in his enclosure.

This is even after I feed him (I spoon/tong feed his food so he has to equate me with that one good thing).

My one main question is that he's taken up a spot under my dresser and will not come out when I try to put him to bed. Should I leave him to stay under there since he feels safe? By forcing him back I to his enclosure, will that break any trust we are working on building?

I'm actively putting my shirt and smelly things in his enclosure and handle him only when I need to right now, as he's super defensive.

It's just been a bit exhausting and need insight and encouragement.

(I have a one year old female tegu that I've had since she was a greenhead and is fantastic. Very well socialized.)