Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I’ve been browsing these boards (and some others for a while trying to make a decision on an iguana. I still undecided in my decision about getting an iguana so i thought i’d sign up, make a post, and ask. I've been specifically looking at these boards because i am strongly considering a cyclura (possibly a cuban... whatever tames the best, as you will see later)

I have 2 basic questions 1) would an iguana be good in my setting and 2) is a cyclura (a cuban rock hatching a better choice than a green?

Now... this is gonna get wordy.
I had an AMAZING iguana throughout most of my life (im 21) but he died 2 years ago... I’m now moving in with a bunch of my college buddies and i am considering getting another iguana. All my roommates are all completely ok with it, and actually kinda excited about the idea (2 are photography majors lol). So i’d be able to provide him with excellent housing, diet, and company. However, i’ve received VERY mixed results about the ability to tame iguana’s. Some things say that most iguanas can be socialized, and all can be tamed... Others say very few can be socialized, and only some can be tamed. This is EXTREMELY important, because with the frequency of people coming through our house it would be a VERY bad idea to bring an animal in that could not be tamed.
I know some iguanas can take a while to tame, and that’s fine because i will be getting a baby, but once my iguana reaches... say 2... I want it to be able to roam the house, and not be stuck in his cage all the time .
for a side note: My iguana NEEDS to be able to be tamed. But how likely is it that a very well handled iguana becomes socialized? Taming is necessary, socializing is preferred as it would be very VERY nice for our company and my roommates (i like reptiles for who they are, so it doesn’t really matter to me)

Second question... Im also STRONGLY considering a cyclura. Opinions on their socialibity when compared to greens would be much appricated (thus far i've heard good things about cubans and mixed comments about the rest) If one of these animals has a very high tamable and are more likely to be social, this may be the iguana for my setting, and worth the extra 300 for the species and building a new cage.

I personally feel taming ability of all reptiles depends both on the individual animal AND the owner. I have a rhino that is able to be handled easily by me, however he will try to kill my husband. My experience with rhinos is limited, I will greatly admit, but they have IMO far more intelligence than the greens. They tend to reason more. This can be a good thing or a bad thing.

Personally there is really no way to guess the temperment of iguanas as babies. I think they can become workable no matter what, but you may never find an animal that everyone can handle and deal with.

In my home, I have noticed for some insane reason, when iguanas are involved the ones that are really easy for me to handle and tame are males, however the moment my husband comes in to deal with the males they all become hostile. It is the opposite in females.

I would honestly suggest if you go the route of a green to look for a rescue rather than a pet shop baby. A rescue will know a bit of the animals personality. You may also be able to find a Cyclura that route as well. Often times you will find an established animal with some vet history as well! That is such a plus!

I think the biggest issue facing the choice between the two species is the ability to provide the larger caging that Cyclura need in comparison to the greens.

Those are just my two cents.

If it were my choice, I would definitely go for the cyclura.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

I agree with what Cindy says. I will add. Based on what I read, and only thinking of the animal I would say neither. What your asking for is a crap shoot so much depends on you, your husbandry, the iguanas personality, the environment you and it live in and your roomates. Greens or cyclura, if healthy, and taken care of will not be tame enough by 2 and ready to free roam.
I would go bearded dragon or something that stays in a cage so its safe and taken out when you want to interact.
Probably not what you wanted to hear, sorry

Hi, i normally in the Tegu fourm but am thinking of getting a rino iggy and was doing some resurch when i read this. Have you ever thought of a Black and White Arg tegu. UNlike iggs they grow up really fast and seem to calm down faster. Mine is only two years old and his roams my room most of the day, currently he is hibernating. But by the sounds of it, a tegu might work out better... i want an iggy because my uncle had a rhino when i was growing up called Stego and he was the coolest ever, i'm finally moving into my own place and knowing i won't be moving again for atlest 6 years i feel i can finally have a stego of my own.

PS i'm keeping the tegu too, his like a puppy dog now.