Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I cant decide on a green or a rhino iguana I really like the look of a big large male green but I have heard they are quite agressive. I also love the dinosuar look of adult rhinos and the fact that they can live upwards from 40 years is a up side for me. I am willing to pay the extra for a rhino. It's just there is so much info on the greens and not much on rhinos. I would really appreciate some feedback from someone that owns or has expierience with both. What are the pros and cons of the two species. Also to be considered is that I live in vermont and in the winter it can get pretty cold up here. My house is heated and I will make sure he gets all the heat he needs in his enclosure but I was just wondering which species is more tolerant to a drop of temp for a very short period of time like say if there was a power outtage. Also what are their temperment differences I have two eight year old sisters (I'm seventeen but believe me I am extremly responsible when it comes to my herps I breed many species succesfully.

Thanks, Nick

Hi nick,
I have raised and bred green iguanas amongst other species.I have only recently gotten into cyclura though.I really liked the greens but it's a lot of work to put out not to mention the cash when it comes to breeding to only get babies that are worth like $10-$15 at BEST.Though it shouldn't be about the money if you plan on breeding that is something to consider as well.Since you are a guy(I'm assuming from the name)you won't have to personally worry about "that time of the month" with a male iguana as they get truely "testy" lets say.And also assuming you will get your own place before you sisters "mature" that should have no gravity on your decision.
As I said,I just recently got into Cyclura myself but in my researching the subject(as I have always done extensively since I was much younger than you in things which I have interest)I have found that the general consensus seems to be that Cyclura nubila nubila and Cyclura lewisi hybrids are seemingly more easily tamed down.Cyclura are also more intelligent than greens,as a rule.All these reptiles have a pre-dispositioned attitude..to say they have their own personality like we do.(ie,they are nice or an ass but any will have their moments as we all do)Some can be taught if gotten from a baby to be nicer but some just will not bend to your will the way you would want.This is especially so with more intelligence involved.
There is no sure way to get a perfect animal in this aspect.The best you can hope for is to go to the breeder and hand pick one for yourself,which ever one you go with.You should also know that these animals go through an "adolecent period" in which they might be more aggressive.Little ones will also be more flighty.This is a natural thing as they would be lunch otherwise in the wild.
As far as the cold factor I would say the cyclura are a bit more durable.In fact,I have been told that you'd have to cut their head off and wait a couple days to make sure they were dead!Not a pretty picture but you get the idea.
Of the Cyclura available,I personally like the Lewisi hyrid,though I have seen rhinos that are nice and show lots of color..for rhinos.They seem to be generally larger too.They also have faster growth rates.I have also heard that they are harder to tame and take more time to work with.Two years seems to be the "breaking point" for them being flighty.One must put forth dilligent effort to have a handleable Cyclura of any type but it is well worth your time.They live well over twice as long as greens,smarter and bigger too.
Geez!Now that I've written "War and Peace" for a post if you have any more questions feel free to contact me.Good luck with your decision and do your homework before making one.Don't take my word for it,research!The internet is full of info...search!
-----
Tree hugging is the truest form of self preservation.

G.I.S.Artbiz Orlando,Florida

I believe, from an experience level, that I'm qualified to answer your questions since I'm caring for a few dozen Green Iguanas and also 9 Cyclura, including 5 Rhinos. I'm about the only poster here that prefers the Rhinos over the Nubila or lewisi hybrids. I do enjoy my other Cyclura but the Rhinos, in my opinion, are special. My Rhinos have all grown up to be calm, interactive companion animals. They are also my best educational animals in terms of behavior. Scrub just spent 3 entire days on display at a pet expo, out in the open totally exposed to thousands of spectators, and was a total charmer.

In my experience the Cyclura are hardier than Greens and tolerate mistakes and accidents in husbandry far better. Mine have endured short drops in temperature down into the 50's with no ill effects. They also seem to heal faster from injuries with less complications.

Unless you have an exceptionally docile young Green, it takes about the same amount of time to socialize and tame both species. The 2 year old mark does seem to be a time of major changes altho I now have a yearling here that is very trusting and is quite comfortable with handling.

I agree that a well taken care of adult male Green Iguana can be an impressive sight and I will always have a soft spot for Greens, but if I had to choose, I'd keep my Rhinos.