Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have plenty of Beardies and are very well versed in reptile care, I just can't decide between the Jackson Cham or an Iguana for Christmas this year. I know their dietary differences and I know that chams don't care for being held. I also know my daughter will be crazy in love with either one, so it's a very tough decision.

Any advice would help greatly. We do like to vacation a few times a year, can either one of these be left with alot of food or would they both need to be boarded? Which requires the most time and money? The iguana would be left to roam freely most of the time on our screened in patio.

Thanks in advance.

Well, I don't let my iguana go for more than a day or two without food while I'm on vacation. You'll have to iguana-proof the room before you let him or her roam. I think the iguana would be harder to care for in the long run, but also look at the longevity factor. Some chams don't live more than a couple of years, especially the females. Iguanas can live 10-20 years, but should have annual vet visits. When it turns colder, you'll have to have an indoor cage for the iguana.

Try www.petfinder.com to see if there's anything for adoption in your area - that could help make the decision for you.

Katrina

Visualize a five foot lizard with a sense of territoriality and an attitude--still want an iguana? Better yet, go meet some of the iguanas that have been surrendered to your local reptile rescue(there are usually more than one or two). Iguanas are fascinating creatures, but their care is demanding, and increases as the lizard gets older. Babies are cute and green at the pet store, but they are not the pet for everyone over time.

regards,
althea

I would completely rule out Iguanas of any species/genera as a pet unless you're into really high-maintenance animals. I would also rule out a Jackson's Chameleon. If your daughter is interested in Chameleons, start with a more hardy species like a Veiled. Another lower maintainence species to consider would be Plated Lizards [Gerrhosaurus genus]. The most hardy and readily available Plated Lizard is the Gerrhosaurus major - often called a Sudan Plated Lizard. They are usually a uniform light to dark brown. A google search will give you lots of info on Gerrhosaurs.
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Matt Campbell
Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois

Assistant Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, Illinois