Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here are two of my favorite Cayman Bracs. I'm having a hard time finding a male Cayman Brac in Florida. But these two are excellent. Still a little flighty but they calm down fast. In this pic they are in a temp cage. I'm having an outdoor atrium like enclosure built for them.

I've got more pics of other Cyclura that I'll post soon.

FH

but weren't you trying to sell these girls? Did you change your mind? I can give you my opinions on which Cyclura I like best of the 3 species that I keep. I have Rhinos, Cubans, and lewisi hybrids. If I had to choose to keep just one species it would be the Rhinos. A Rhino was my first Cyclura and now I keep 5 of them, from yearlings to a 6 year old female. They are undoubtably the most interactive with humans of all of the lizards that I own. My males are sweet, calm lizards, just like the females. Mine are wonderful as educational animals and will tolerate a crowd of strangers without batting an eyelash (if they had them). I'm still left speechless by their appearance...so prehistoric yet so majestic. Unquestionably my favorite.

I adored the 8 year old Cuban female that I lost to egg peritonitis. She was a very tolerant lizard yet kind of aloof at times. Even so, she decided to sleep on the bed with me on many occasions. My pair of younger Cubans are beautiful but are taking some time to calm down and relax with me. In time I'm sure they will be as docile as Doonie was.

My pair of hybrids are also wonderful pets. Azul is sometimes very needy, climbing onto my lap just to be hugged and petted. He also can be unpredictable and I have to watch for the telltale quick licks that he does before a good chomp!! MiMi is just a couch potato and enjoys being carried around for long periods of time. She is very docile and a joy to have around.

I had a young caymanensis here for a short time before placing it with a friend. It wasn't here long enough for me to develop a real relationship with it but I remember it was a bit of a challenge and didn't like the other lizards too much. So, those are my opinions. Many people will disagree with me and say that the Cubans make better companions or pet lizards. That may be true for some, but for me, the Rhinos are my favorites.

Yeah, I was going to sell them because I got frustrated trying to find a male and I didn't want to hybridize them. However, when it came time to sell I just couldn't do it. They seem just so rare to find in Florida. I've never seen them for sale. I got mine by having a conversation with a guy I bought another animal from. The guy was moving and wanted to sell them. I got really lucky.

Cayman Bracs do seem to be a little dominant toward my other Cyclura. I've got a big Cuban female and the Bracs will try to dominate her by taking food out of her mouth or chasing her off the hot spot.

I really like the lewisi hybrids right now. Maybe I'll get an older specimen in Daytona next year. If your going we should definately meet this time...lol

In my opinion, the Cubans tame a lot easier then any Cyclura I've ever had the privelage to own. However, I've never kept a Rhino before. That is on my list.

It was nice hearing from you and thanks for the information.

Frank

I have a rhino and a Cayman hybrid. I like them both and wouldn't part with them but I like my hybrid more. I agree with Jifs views on the rhibos but my hybrid has an edge to him that makes him really intresting. He always greets me and will bob at me as soon as he sees me. He has less tolerance than my rhino but for what ever reason like it

There are alot of Cayman Bracs in CA. Perhaps you could do a trade to get a male ? I have heard that non-monitary exchanges circumvent the permit requirements. A friend tells me their skin differs from Cubans in that it feels like sand paper regardless of which way you rub your hands on it, Do you concur ?

As my forum name indicates, my preference is for Rhinos. Did have an old cuban girl that was loaded with personality, and often greeted with the head bobs as jf described, but their is nothing more facinating than a rhino for me.

It is true that if no money changes hands that there is no permit necessary to get a caymanensis out of CA. That is what I did. A woman gifted Pete to me. (According to Blair we did everything right anyway, and I guess he should know.)

And he does feel a bit like sandpaper up around his neck on top..

Carole

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Check it out. www.reptilecare.com

Only true gifts will circumvent the permit process, though it is still often recommended a permit be acquired, just to avoid the possibility of incurring problems.
Also, trading is not considered a gift, and one must incur a permit for any interstate commerce regarding a trade.
For more information, you may wish to contact Victoria Davis of the USF&W at:
US Dept of Fish and Wildlife 1875 Century Blvd. Ste. 200 Atlanta, GA 30345
(404) 679-4176

Good luck,

Jeff

Actually, in this case, it was truly a gift in every sense of the word. These people wanted a good home for their beloved iguana and they even paid the $75 shipping to get him here safely on Delta. They got nothing in return except the knowledge that he is in a good home.

Carole
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Check it out. www.reptilecare.com

WOW! I was gone for a couple days and suprised to find all these wonderful opinions. Awesome.

I never thought of the gift idea before. I found someone in Florida that has a breeder pair and will be selling some Cayman Bracs in the near future. So I might get my male that way. I also thought about breeding the female Cayman Bracs to a Lewisi Hybrid.

I'm wondering what people think about that idea?

With all this talk about Rhinos I'm going to have to get a pair.

Frank