Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was curious if anyone here has a juvie and a full adult. I have a 7 year old adult Iguana who is my big baby. He was brought to the Reptile Sanctuary that I volunteer for by a woman who found him "for sale" at a garage sale. He wasjust a complete mess and has since recovered and came home with me. I aquired a almost 2 year old Iguana last month and have not introduced them yet. Their enclosures are in the same room and they can see each other if they want. I have noticed the usualy head bobbing, but no real aggressive display from either of them. My adult, Messenger, is neutered and so he is not aggressive and does not go through an actual "bredding period" so I don't have to worry about that.... but I am afraid he will hurt the little guy regardless.

Has anyone had to do this before and if so what did you do? I knowid is probably too soon and I should wait for the little guy to get bigger, but I was hoping to start a gradual routine so when he does get big, I won't have to worry about him hurting Messenger.

Any advice would be appreciated.

The photo is of Messenger lookin ou the window from his view on top of his enclosure. I think he wishes we didn't live in the Pacific Northwest!

I dont introduce anyone.

My adult female killed her prior cagemate (which is why her owner got rid of her), I have seen the aftermath of an adult male ripping the leg off a juvenile iguana. I know of very few who like the company of other iguanas. Even when in the room and handling iguanas, there are signs of aggression here.

Because there is no need to breed, introductions are kinda senseless.

Just my two cents.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

So they can never co-exist? I plan of having both of them a very long time (however long they decide to be with me that is) and I want them to be able to hang out together. *sigh* Would it make a difference if I got the other one fixed as well?

>>So they can never co-exist? I plan of having both of them a very long time (however long they decide to be with me that is) and I want them to be able to hang out together. *sigh* Would it make a difference if I got the other one fixed as well?

Honestly no. First off fixing for the most part with reptiles is an elective surgery. Studies have not conclusivly shown that removing the male glands will have any effect on breeding season aggression. I saw the pics on the other forum of your boy when he came into the shelter. He has come worlds from where he started. I wouldnt be positive that you will never experience breeding season issues. It is entirely possible that poor care for years delayed that. While i know people have iguanas together for years with nothing happening all it takes is an instant for something to occur. I have a female in my home that has killed a cage mate. Basically there is only one person I know that has had iguanas together and it hasnt resulted in a fatality. However she has had attacks. I always strongly suggest against it.

Reptiles on the whole are not social animals. Also when separating it is FAR easier to tell who is doing what they are supposed to be doing food and poo wise. Since those are the first indicators of illness and stress, it is best that they are separate. These are once again my opinions.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

First I would like to comgratulate you on a great job rehabilitating Messenger. I have agree with Faust though, as every thing I have read suggests that one ig will fight the other ig to be the "alpha" ig. I would recommend not allowing unsupervised contact between Messenger and the new ig. As for your last comment, about Messenger not being happy living in the Pacific NorthWest, I think his forlorn look might be from another reason. I believe he wants to go outside. Few things make our iguana, Iggi, happier than to scratch her tummy on the grass, and then stretch out in the warm sunshine. We live in SE Georgia, and so Iggi can go outside (supervised), most of the year. Living in the Pacific NorthWest, I would recommend taking your igs out (separately), on leashes (if need be), during the months of June, July and August.
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Lamar, Debbie, Nathaniel and Iggi :>~

Thank you! Below is a picture of Messenger when he first was found and brought into the shelter. It is amazing what correct food and enclosure will do to an iguana isn't it?

I plan of taking him out a lot this summer, it is just now starting to warm up enough. I took him to a school the other day to talk with the kids about animal abuse and reptiles and he loved it! It was 68 and just warm enough that he was basking on my shoulder the whole car ride there and back. This is his first summer in my home so I haven't had a chance to take him out much yet. My tortoise enjoys the weather because he finally get's to go back outside and "mow" my lawn so I'm sure Mess will enjoy it too!

On the note of introducing the guys, I guess I don't have to. I just figured they might enjoy company and since they will have to be in the same home together for a looong time....

Thanks for the advice!

Ellena