Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't have my 3 desert igs that I got from DVL in 2000 anymore.

The thermostat in my small refrigerator that they were hibernating in must have malfunctioned and let the temp get warm at times and the male became paralyized in the back and rear legs. After several weeks of force feeding the male I felt it best to put him down.

As for the 2 girls (the mother and daughter) from digging to get out in the high temps damaged a few of the front fingers so much that some fell off. Although they were eating on thier own and otherwise healthy.

After tending to the toes with bedadine 2x a day so they healed up for a few weeks I felt so terrible looking at their hands that I decided to mail them to a friend who lives in a creosote area out west and had him let them go for me.

I know I am not supposed to do this but I wanted them to be free. I was used to being happy seeing them give me push-ups when i walked into the room but instead each time I felt terrible and sad.

I was thinking about giving them to DVL but I didn't feel right giving a lizard that I was responsible tor disfiguring to some one else to look at. Sorry Dave had you wanted them.

They had more personality than any small lizard I have ever had. Someday I know I will get more.

I learned not to use old refrigerators the one I used was 15 or 20 years old. I purchase a larger new one. I also learned to make the air holes in the container small so they cant get their fingers in should the thermostat stick again.

I am going to miss them.

Sadly
John Styner

I know since I have been on here, how much you loved those iggys.
They always were beautifully kept, and taken care of, and had the best dang ESTATE around, what a home you made for them.

They were something, and as horrible as it is, and as sad as you feel about the whole thing, it was a terrible accident, something that just happened.

There is not much anyone can say, We have all had something horrible happen to a very cool animal, we loved, at one time or another, and it stays for a very long time.

But through losing them, we are better able to give the next pet or pets a better life, as we have learned what not to do, and How to make things that much BETTER the next time for our little buddies.

This is not intended to make you feel worse, only to let you see how devoted you were to them all, we all know that.
We also know how hard it was for you to put the male down, and arrange to let your girls go free.

I'm sure the only stories they will tell the other desert iggys, is of their friend John, who gave them The Best of everything, while they were with him.

I know from reading your post how your heart is hurting, I hope you will feel better soon John,

I share in your sadness !

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Eve

How disfigured or disabled were the girls feet?

Able to suffiently live wild and dig ?
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Eve

Thanks for your kind words Eve and John E.
I think so. I didn't send them unill the wounds were closed up.
The mother lost 2 on one hand 3 on the other. Her daughter lost 2 on one 2 1/2 on the other. I am hoping they will utilize existing burrows from other Igs or rodents, however I don't think they lost all digging ability.
John Styner

Your learning experience has been a learning experience for us all.

Very sorry buddy,

John E.

Don't give up on em--------- I have a clutch in the ground now ( I think). I'll get back with ya later. Mechanical things can/ do break---- too bad it was at a bad time. I'll fix ya up if I can!!
I have had em lose a toe over-wintering underground here-- maybe too humid/ moist soil.

Keep a stiff upper lip!!
DVL