Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this subject has been discussed before...but I would still like people's opinions on this one..

I have a 4' female iguana that I've had for about 2 1/2 years, rescued from the shelter where I work, set up as a free roamer. She has a heated, lighted basking shelf where she spends 90% of her time, but also has access to the living room, bathroom and kitchen. She's fairly tame (especially when she hurls herself from the back of the couch to my shoulder and tries to rip the bread crusts from my sandwich out of my mouth)and I can pick her up and move her wherever I need to, but she's certainly not affectionate or "touchy feely"...

Anyhow, we now have THREE young adult iguanas at the shelter, and no prospects for a good home for any of them. I'd LOVE to take the young male home with me...I would confine him initially, but would hope to have him also be a free roamer eventually (with his own basking area)...Does this sound crazy? Or do you think it might be possible...Any opinions would be appreciated...

SR

It all depends on the temperaments of the igs, but it is not suggested...you may have to keep him caged all the time...and he would probably constantly try to breed the female making her stressed...I have 3 females that live together and they have a pecking order similar to chickens, but they never really bite each other ( I am at home mom so I can watch) they charge each other on occasion, but never bite otherwise I would separate them...I have heard stories of males living with females for years and suddenly attacking and either maiming or killing their partner...so it really is up to you if you want to try, tho I would try another female rather than a male in my opinion...mine are caged, but freeroaming gives ample opportunity to get away from each other...good luck with your decision...Lyn

in my opinon having two igunas in a house is risky. i have a 4' male now and he is the sweetest thing but now i belive he is in breeding season or when he is out if he sees another iguana/reptile or any animal near my room at all he will defend his teritory. im not saying that the male you are thinking about will do that but he may. also brining in another one could jepordize the health of the one you have now. one of my friends father had his iguana for 6 years and he was the sweetest thing. then one of hios friends got divorced and could no longer care for the igg so he took it in. things where fine for about 6 months and then the male went nuts and almost killed the female.

and iguanas in nature are solitary animals only coming together to mate. females will sometimes be seen in small groups but other than that they like to be alone.

so imho i would not do it unless you could make sure that both could have there "OWN" space.

Mike
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Thanks for the input guys...I know you're right..I guess I'll just leave that male iguana exactly where he is and hope someone else adopts him...

SR