Reptile & Amphibian Forums

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You should very young for an iguana. Iguanas need an adult to handle them when they get big and an adult to supervise the diet.

They are good about potty training themselves.

I am sorry to disappoint you with my post. I do not think a ten year old should have an iguana of their own.
I have two iguanas, I also have kids ranging from 4 to 19. My iguanas are free roamers, and the kids DO NOT handle them at all unless it is under my supervision. I am the main caretaker of the igs, although the older girls do participate as I see they can handle more responsibility.
I have very specific and rigid rules with regards to the animals, and the kids MUST show respect and knowledge BEFORE any handling of any animal.
Mistakes do happen, my now 17 year old has two nice scars on her thumb for panicking and not seperating two igs that were, well, trying to mate in the proper way, or calling me to handle the situation, plain and simple, she panicked that one would hurt the other. (they are rough). She has never made another spur of the moment mistake again but she has scars now and it hurt ALOT at the time, and it bled enough to make EVERY kid in this house totally respectful!!!!
I understand your love for reptiles, but I would strongly suggest that unless one of your parents are willing to take on the responsibilities a ig requires, I would recommend you stick to a smaller reptile to start with. Please have patience, if you love them now, it will stick with you as you get older

Hi Cillie,

First off, I'm very glad you took the time to ask for advice before getting an ig!

I totally understand how much you want an iguana. I have wanted one since I was your age, but it's taken me until now (age 28) to feel like I had the time, space & money for it. Igs can be really, really tough to care for. There's just so much to *do*, not to mention how expensive it can be! Plus you just never know what their personality is going to be like. My ig is really nice most of the time, but I have claw-scars on my arms to show just how stubborn he can be when he wants.

Another thing about iguanas is how long they live. In just a few years, you're going to be an adult and ready to go out into the world. But by then your ig will be an adult too, one that's six feet long and weighs 20 pounds! Think how hard it would be for both of you if you had to be separated. We've seen too many posts on this board about college students who have to give away their iguanas because they're going to school and can't care for them anymore.

I'd think about getting a leopard gecko or an anole to start with. They're both very very cool, and their personalities are a lot more reliable than an iguana. It'd be a good way to see how you like caring for reptiles. And if you do enjoy them, and they thrive, you can make having an iguana as a long-term goal for yourself.

Good luck to you, Cillie, and don't hestitate to ask any questions if you have them.

-atomic (human) and grass (ig)

leopard geckos and bearded dragon are way cool, my 12 year old loves them and would probably be a good bet for you. The beardie will stay on my daughters shoulder all day long with no problems

Yup, my younger brother got a beardie when he was 15 and just loved it. They're very cool. I'd have one, too, if I wasn't such a wuss about feeding pinkies!

The only problem I can see with a beardie & a 10-year-old is how expensive their care can get. Unless Cillie has very involved parents, it might be a tough choice.

That is true, the do require money for upkeep, didn't think of that as I maintain them lol.
I don't feed my beardies pinkies unless they are gravid. Some do not even feed crix but just pellets and greens and of course their vits,
Something to think about

That's good to know about the pinkies, Stardust. Thanks!

Now if I could just get over my cricket-issues... lol... I was a herp vet assistant for two years in high school, and restocking the crickets was one of my jobs. There's nothing quite like getting crickets in your hair & clothes to put you off them for life!

i have a beardie and a corns snake and an anole (witch i am keeping till my freands b day.