Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My boyfriend and I are moving to Sacramento, CA from Piedmont, WV in late July.

According to Melissa Kaplan's standards, I would say that Bhruic is past tame and moving into the socialization process. He trusts me but still doesn't hang out with me that often.

Because there are more herp societies in California than there are here, I was thinking of adopting an iguana when we moved out there. Bhruic is the only iguana I've ever had and I love him more than anything, but I'm not sure how he would react to someone else being in his territory. Everytime he sees his reflection, he immediately starts bobbing his head and looking around for this nonexistent rival.

Things to consider: Should I wait a little longer until Bhruic is a little farther along in the socialization process? Would it be better to adopt a new one as soon as we get out there so that he will be in a new area and not as territorial/open to new things? What if the new iguana is bigger than him?

Also, he's been in a car before but he's not really used to it. We're driving across the country and I think it may be a good idea to take him on car rides to get used to it. Does anyone have any tips for iguana car rides?
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Because there are more herp societies in California than there are here, I was thinking of adopting an iguana when we moved out there. Bhruic is the only iguana I've ever had and I love him more than anything, but I'm not sure how he would react to someone else being in his territory. Everytime he sees his reflection, he immediately starts bobbing his head and looking around for this nonexistent rival.

How old is he? How big is he? Are you sure of the gender?
The mirror-thing is pretty normal, and it's basically territorial display. Since even with common pets such as cats and dogs, introducing a new animal to the territory can be trivial, same with iguanas. Avoid same-sex, hence why I asked about the gender. Also, get one about the same size or slightly smaller. Do not get a bigger one, it will be too much stress for him.

Things to consider: Should I wait a little longer until Bhruic is a little farther along in the socialization process?

The longer you wait, the more established as the sole dominant iguana he will become. Also, when getting an additional iguana, a quarantine period is imperative, to avoid contamination with parasites and deseases. Also, for the first few week or so, both animals should be kept in separate enclosures, and be allowed to interact under supervision for short amount of time. Get the new iguana accustomed and familiar with you, the new home, etc, before attempting to make the two meet. You can keep them in separate enclosures that still enable them to look at one another, however, offer hiding spots and blind spots in case one does not wish to be bobbed at or disturbed.

Would it be better to adopt a new one as soon as we get out there so that he will be in a new area and not as territorial/open to new things? What if the new iguana is bigger than him?

No. Take time to let your iguana adjust. Iguanas detest change. Any change throws them off. Let it adjust and eat/poop/ regurarly, and the new home iguana-proofed for free-roaming. After a month or two, depending on how things have settled, you can plan to get a second one. And again, not bigger than him.

Also, he's been in a car before but he's not really used to it. We're driving across the country and I think it may be a good idea to take him on car rides to get used to it. Does anyone have any tips for iguana car rides?

Take short rides with positive reinforcement. Don't push it.
During the trip, it would be better for him to ride in a crate, covered by a light towel (to allow some ventilation) to make it less stressful. Wild animals are often blind-folded or kept in the dark to avoid stress while being moved/transported/shipped.

-IJ

p.s. one iguana needs A LOT of room. A LOT. When getting two iguanas, and eventually putting them together (if.. IF they get along) the measurements double. So plan ahead and make sure you can accomodate two iguanas together in a very very large enclosure. Personally, I'd rather live with one great, fantastic, tame, healthy iguana, than with two rivaling, stressed, territorial, aggressive iguanas. Then you'd have to get rid of the second one, and that would be unfair to the animal. It can be a match made in heaven... or a reptilian nightmare. It is up to you to know if you are prepared and willing to spend the time (and money) to make it all work out.

That was very helpful, thank you.

Bhruic is about 2 1/2 years old. I haven't taken measurements recently so I'm not positive exactly how big he is. I had him in a cage when I first got him and that broke my heart so when I moved out on my own, he became a free roamer full time.

I'm positive he's a male. The pores on his back legs go all the way to his knees (I guess you can call them knees) and I remember reading that on Melissa Kaplans website.

I've been taking him for walks a lot recently because the weather is a lot nicer than it has been in the past and he loves it. He gets so bright when he's outside and I love that I can put him in a situation that makes him happy enough to change colors.

Here's a pic of him.