Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Im new here.I'm thinking of getting a cylura.I've never owned one but I have some experience with lizards.I'm debating whether to get a 3 year old male cuban from robert ehrig.He says he is laid back and 22 in long.I was also thinking about getting a cayman/lewisi X 6 months old from david blair.I love the way they look.Do I get the bigger cuban or the younger hybrid?Are the cubans at that age tough to handle?How are the tempermants of the hybrids in general?I want a well socialized interactive pet.

I will let the Pro's give you their opinion cause they know much more then me.
But in general any cyclura is going to be more skittish when young.Usually as they get older and put some size on they can mellow.
That said,I have a few yearlings that are taming very fast(cubans)
And even a 6 month little guy who isnt tame but not a complete spaz.
I work with them by giving them their favorite thing......food

I would go with the 3 year old guy as he already is mellow and most of the toddler stage is done.
But if you like the looks of the hybrid and can deal with a little spaz every now and then it will be worth all the work.

Hope I helped a little.
-Mike

thanks for the info.I just want the best chance at getting a good pet.I know it takes time.Are the hybrid rocks similiar to the cubans in temperment?From what I read the cubans are generally good tempered with handling.joe

I ordered a lewesi hybrid from David Blair about three years ago. She was a yearling and arrived at my door in perfect condition. He's a very good guy to work with and a cyclura expert. I'm not saying anything negative about Mr. Ehrig, because I have never heard or read anything negative about him. I believe that if you intend to keep this animal long-term, you should start with a yearling. They learn how to bond with you, potty habits, and grow accustomed to their environement with less stress or your concern with attempting to change habits it had learned elsewhere. Either way, they require attention and respond well to it. You could not pick a more rewarding or intelligent reptile to care for. I think all cyclura are beautiful and remarkable regardless of species.

Go with the one you like the looks of most. Hybrid right? Is the cuban appealing because its available? Are they 2nd on your list? These guys live a real long time There is plenty of time to interact and work at getting a rewarding cyclura. Both breeders provide excellent animals. There is a difference in confidence between the ages but based on longevity and the fact you have never had one of these I think the difference is negligible, the amount of work you will need to do and the learning curve will be the same. There is a belief out there that hybrids, depending what the cross contains are friendlier but everyone has a different opinion about that and it has more to do with the personality of the cyclura and the keeper involved, really. Hell, some will jump in and say cornutas are the best. It comes down to which appeals to you now and in 20 yrs. later with that same cyclura. Choose wisely

jf

jf,From what ive been reading on these forums,the young cyclura remain skittish until about 2-3 years of age.robert has an animal that age so I thought he might be easier to handle.I do like the way the hybrids look and david blair has a c.n lewesi/caymanensis 5 month old.How is that mix as far as temperments/size?Ive read alot of your posts and you have alot of knowledge and beautiful animals.

Jrock, thanks! You are right the 1st 2 yrs they are spaz's. I have a 2 yr old now and they are flighty. With size comes confidence. I have been through it a bunch of times.
I have a 13yr old lewisi/caymanensis from Blair. He is a fantastic animal best reptile I have ever had and I have had a sorts of stuff. hes never even tried to bite. I have taken him to schools with kindergardeners. Hes not the bluest but I dont care, his confidence and demeanor more than make up. That would be a good choice if you go that way.

jf