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Does anyone here own an Iguana?

LBoz said:
Wow, that's a beautiful enclosure. Do you live in a house or an apartment? I can't imagine owning so many animals that require that much specialized housing. Very cool, though. Obviously iguanas aren't for everyone, but it's cool to read about you and snakedancer and see the "right" way to do it. Thanks for sharing!
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I still live at home with my mom and we have a two story house that we share with the animals. Though I know mom can't wait till I'm done college and the animals go with me lol.

Asbit said:
So what I hope my stories can teach is that if considering an iguana, definitely go with a rescue, research research to know their requirements, know that they get very large and need very specific environmental requirements, know they can live 20 years plus, know they can be very aggressive more so if treated wrong or not worked with regularly, know that they are very intelligent, know that they get bored and require stimulation. KNOW THAT IT IS A HUGE UNDERTAKING, THAT IF YOU ARE DEDICATED TO, CAN BE VERY REWARDING BUT THERE IS NO GUARANTEE YOU WILL GET A NICE TEMPERED IGGY!
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And even if you get a good Ig they can still get aggressive once in awhile and when an adult Ig bites it is no joke. Their bites hurt and may need stitches. I knew a lady who actually need surgery to repair the nerves in her arm from were her very nice Ig decided to bite. I am lucky eneough to have only been bitten by my smaller Igs but Harley my big boy has tried and so far I have managed to dodge but if he ever gets me it won't be pretty.

I also had a very sick rescue male Ig that I took in and he was so aggressive he would plan his attacks. He would wait till I was distract then wham! He actually chased me in circles around my room trying to bite me one day(scary then, it's funny to think of now lol).

Even with their mood swings this lizards are still the loves of my life and can't imagine living without them which is one of my main worries also. Sid, Casey and Harley are atleast 10 years old which makes me worry and sad because I don't know exactly how old they are and how long I have left with them especially since their pass neglect has taken a toll on their bodies. I may wake up one morning and they could be dead and I would be crushed, I hope to have atleast another 5-10 years with them, more would be great.
 
Haya Tha'baan said:
I do find it surprising how many people own iguanas given their needs. But I guess the first thing that attracts people's attention is how low in price they are. Anyone know why they're so inexpensive?
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I do, I do!

They're so inexpensive because iguanas are extremely easy to breed, and have nice big clutches. There are just so many of them that there needs to be a low price to get rid of them all. Supply and demand. And that also aids in so many of them being abandoned or dying early due to improper husbandry. People buy a relatively cheap lizard because it's small and cute, and they don't realize how extensive their proper care is.

It deeply saddens me that these animals, which can live 30 years in the wild, have an average life span of 2 years in captivity.

Thank god there are rescues around. A friend of mine owns a reptile hospice and sanctuary and has tons of them. And it's good that we've got some great owners out there. Keep up the good work everyone!
 
Hypancistrus said:
They can be great pets... or monsters. It depends on the effort and time one spends with them. They require huge, room sized caging with high light and heat. It is often best to adopt an older one if you want a guarantee to have a sweet, tame older iguana. Babies are cute but grow fast and there is no guarantee on personality as adults.
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I concur with this. My friend had a 6 foot long one that was super tame and would just sit on his shoulder and look around all day. So, my cousin thought it would be cute to get one without research awhile back. She got a baby and didn't know how to socialize it or tame it properly. It was so aggressive that they had to give it away.

Kudos to you for doing your research first! A responsible pet owner is the best kind around. :)
 
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