Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two questions about my two new juvinile iguanas...

My iguanas are young and have grown up together, but now that they are in a new cage they seem to be starting to get agressive with each other...I don't know their gender yet, they are really just to young to tell. Does anyone have any ideas for helping them get along better, or am I going to need two cages?

Second...they seem to be sneezing on occasion (I've noticed it once or twice a day). My last iguana did this sometimes too...do I need to take them to a vet, or is this a normal thing?

-Spangles

Iguanas should not be kept together generally speaking...they can be raised together and usually once they get close to breeding age, they must be separated...if they are showing these signs of aggression, then yes you will need two cages...and as for the sneezing...they usually will expell salt from glands in their noses and if you have glass or plexi on the enclosure you will definitely see what I mean with all the little white dots...You should bring your igs to the vet anyways for a well check and poop check for parasites...good luck...and let us know if you need any other help...Lyn

I agree - the best way for them to get along better is to separate them. Iguanas are very territorial, and will turn aggressive when claiming and defending their personal territory. The problem will only worsen as they mature. If I were you, I'd also get them sexed as soon as possible. If one or both is a male, the aggression you're seeing is only the tip of the iceberg. Two females sometimes can live together in relative harmony, but even they can fight fiercely for their "space."

As for the sneezing, that's normal. You'll see the dried salt on whatever surface they choose to sneeze on.
-----
MichaelB

On my website I have a story written by an owner of two iguanas. Both had lived together for a very long time with no problems. They seemed more distressed when separated. You can read the story of the attack that resulted.

I suggest strongly separating iguanas. Most importantly is how severly agressive these guys can get. I average 2 calls a week about this issue at my rescue. One of my iguanas attacked and killed her cage mate at her original home.

Free roaming is a different story usually because you give them more space to work with. I personally would suggest preparing a second enclosure ASAP.

I have attached the link to the Tale of Two Igs from my site.
Tale of Two Igs

-----
Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!