Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm very excited about a recent purchase of a male/female pair of Cubans from David Blair that should be arriving at the end of next week. God and weather permitting.

What is a suitable starter environment? Bedding? Set-up? I was thinking of a forty gallon breeder.. I've owned and rescued monitors and green iguanas for years, but this is very new to me!
I am very excited!

What are your views on protein?

Astrid

they need a lot more room, as in floor space, than greens. If thats all you have to start with fine but look into bigger right away. You may have to build an enclosure.
4'x 2.5'x 2' and even that will be small in no time. Its been a while since mine were little. newspaper works well for bedding, a good cheap way to start. Make sure you have a hiding spot for both. no promises they will get along. lighting is similar to greens but a hotter basking spot. I hope you know this and have tested a set up if they are coming in a week. tell me you are just looking for opinions and not what to do
protein- lots of opinions here about that. I believe in very little to none. I have given mine a bit of chicken every couple of months but it wouldn't even show up in diet precentages. Mine get really aggressive when eating it too. I stick to veggies I dont use much fruit and mine seem to be very normal in size and weight for their age. if in the right temps they will eat a lot and grow like weeds

I'm so grateful for your help.

I had planned on building an enclosure in the spring.
David Blair suggested a 30 gallon in the meantime...
How tall should this enclosure be?

I do have all the lights, hiding caves, etc, ready.

I am always ready to learn from thsoe who know more.

How did everyone else start their hatchlings? Mine are 10 inches tip of nose to end of tail.

Astrid

nice to hear that you are ready to go. height is not that critical because these guys are not big climbers. They will though. They will be fine together for a while, maybe forever, but, as they get settled in and eating and growing watch for bullying, biting of toes and tail tips. Thats a sure sign you need more room for the two of them.
Also, the 1st to years can be frustrating trying to get them tame. after 2 yrs they settle down a lot. Hopefully you will hear from more than just me, lots of experienced cyclura owners here. I've had green igs forever, cyclura are much more fun you will love 'em