Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,

I'm thinking about getting an iguana, they have some nice babies, at the locale pet store. I've been doing tones of research and wanted to know your guys suggestions/tips for owning a baby ig. Thanks for the help.

My suggestion would be to not get one from the local pet store. Before doing so, please look around at local animal shelters and reptile/iguana rescues. You will most certainly find an Iguana that needs a home. I know the idea of raising an Iguana from when it is young may sound appealing but you actually will get a better idea of it's final temperament by getting one when it is older. Please please please at least look at the shelters first. Also, there is an adoption page under the kingsnake classifieds as well as an adoption page at the link below. Nova was adopted from my local animal shelter and is the sweetest girl ever!

Peter

Green Iguana Society Adoption Board

z

I agree with the suggestion to adopt rather than buy. In addition to Green Ig society, also check Petfinders. I currently have 2 baby igs available for adoption. The nice thing about adoption is that the igs have been checked out healthwise and the 'taming' process has been started. Baby igs tend to be whippy little things and there is a great advantage to having the ig already handled and habituated to humans.

you have to remember that these animal can grow to 5ft and become at times very agressive due to breeding season,in time a custom cage is neccesary with about 8ft in lenth and 6ft in height,owning an iggy is a huge commitment and they can live 10 years,a uvb uva source and heat lamp is neccesary for them to thrive.just keep in mind these things before making a decision on it.they can be nice pets if cared for the right way.

kali

adoption sounds like a good idea. But I live in Canada, just outside of Toronto. And my town isn't really a reptile friendly place. I know they have one majoy reptile store beside my city. But if i do adopt can I adopt from the States. How much would it cost me? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Adoption is definately the way to go. I also live in Canada, and in a much less developed area than Toronto, but I had no trouble finding an iguana to adopt. She was only an hour away (and I live an hour away from any town or city). There are tons, you just need to open a classified section, or contact your local vet, they often know of people who are looking to give up an animal. It will usually cost you nothing, as many people are just looking to get rid of a "problem". Don't adopt from the States, you'll have to have the animal shipped here, and there are plenty iguanas in need here in Canada!

Good luck, and let us know how things turn out for you!

Wendy

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"It's not a matter of IF...but WHEN" ~Bill Haast~

"Joy unspeakable...to be holding death in your hands..."

REad up on iguana care.

Anapsid.org (then click on Iguanas on the left)

http://www.iguanaden.com/

You must get the environment right or they can't digest and will stop eating, get blooms of opportunistic (given the ig's lowered immune response) gut parasites and blooms of unhealthy gut bacteria.

Be cautious about what you read on iguanas. There is still outdated bad info circulating, that says igs can eat dog food, monkey biscuits, thet their lifespan is 5 years (which is how long they live if fed dog food)

Happy herping!

Roger

...they grow like weed!They never become sick!If you give them the right food too, of course!

...I was wondering why you would want to get an iguana if you 1) don't have a job or any money to pay for a tank larger than a 20gallon for your water dragon, and 2) can't keep/don't want your water dragon? Iguanas get more than twice as big as water dragons, plus they are harder to manage & take care of, in my opinion, (since I have both). Just b/c you will have an extra tank if you sell or give away your water dragon doesn't mean you should "refill" it with another lizard that will quickly outgrow it & will live more than 10-15 years? That's quite some commitment, no? Please think about this before you make a decision, there are way too many unwanted iguanas out there!

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Danielle
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1.0 Chinese water dragon, 0.3 leos, 1.0 adopted iguana, 0.0.2 beardies, 2.0 green anoles, 1.0 blue anole and 2.2 bettas ~My Pets~

I was thinking about getting one as a future pet. I'm giving up my water dragon because i was stupid and didn't do enough research. I am only thinking about getting an iguana 1) after I get a job and will have enough money for everything it requires and 2) after I felt I have done lots of research and am comfortable with taking care of it. I hope you can understand what i'm trying to do.