Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I used to own four iguanas, one that was about 5 feet long that we caught in a park one the winter. Now that I am away from home off at college I was interested in getting an iguana again - just one this time. I have experience in taking care of iguanas, I would have to brush up though.

My question is - is it feasable for a college student to own an iguana? Or rather...would it be recommended? I am about to move into a condo that allows quiet pets, so the inguana would be allowed.

Thanks for your input

Make sure they are legally allowed, I know in New York City they are illegal now as are ferrets. I have no doubt a college would enforce local laws if someone in your dorm complained.

I also know as you do they require a lot of room and in my college days my dorm was not the most spacious accomodations, certianly not enough for an iguana. That and my roomate would have been pissed.

Then again most are amazed the first time they see an ig up close, it would probably not hurt with the ladies

Actually, I am in the same state that I had the Iguanas in before - Texas so legality wouldn't be a problem.

As for space, I put in my previous post that I was moving into a condo so the dorm/roomate problem would not be a problem.

As for the ladies...well I am a girl so the only problem would be putting getting another iguana past my boyfriend that I live with

There is also a nice patio outside the condo that I could sun the iguana and get him some real UV light.

Any other input welcome

I would not recomend it for one big reason. Your life will go through a lot of changes in the next 5-10 years. I am just finishing up graduate school this year so I know how fast situations can change.

Remember Iguanas will still be around after your life is more stable with a new house and a nice job. If you really want a lizard friend I would recomend a Leopard Gecko, they take up less room, are no problem to house anywhere, and if needed they are really easy to place with a new owner.

Another issue you need to consider is if you are going to have children in the next 18 years and the risk from salmonella. Many people do not want reptiles in their homes when young babies are around as there are cases of deaths in infants. You need to be aware of the issues now before you take on the ig. Here one good link.
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