Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had my two iguanas now for about 3 months, I just recently built them a large enclosure, and my male really has taken to it quite well. However the female, really hasnt increased in size at all. Shes not skinny, but just hasnt seemed to keep up with the other one. They both eat a healthy balanced diet, and get plenty of natural sunlight as well as an UVB overtop light. When i first got them they were both the same size, however the female really hasnt grown that much in comparison to when i first got her, I was just wondering if this is something i should be worried about, (tape worm or something of the sort), or maybe she is just a slow grower??? any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks

You probably need to seperate them. The bigger one is probably the dominant one and is intimadating the smaller one and prevents her from eating a lot of food, which is why she has grown. They don't even have to be in the same cage to cause stress to the subordinate one...just the sight of a body posture and some head bobbing will often cause the less dominant to stress from a cross the room and prevent her from eating. I would get her away from the sight of him...possible another room if that's possible...and see what happens after that.

I am willing to bet the one not growing is being intimidated
by the other. This is pretty classic.

Linda

This is almost text-book classic situation.
In addition, don't forget that no iguanas are alike, and that females are relatively smaller than males.
However, yes, sounds like a typical dominance issue.

- IJ