Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi folks,
I have found the Ball Python forum to be a good place to ask questions and learn, so I thought I would come here and ask some questions.
A friend of mine has a beautiful iguana. I had thought about getting one off and on for a long time, but wasn't ready to commit to a four-six foot monster they can grow into. I am still not sure, but if I DO adopt this one, I keep it for life. This little boy (he is only two-feet-long right now) only has three legs (I don't mind, the guy says he gets around fine) and needs a one iguana home which he will be here. He is coming from a reptile home not a pet store or animal control, so I am sure he is healthy and is handled regularly.
My question is, how should I handle the transition? Is it mandatory that he be confined to a cage, or should we just let him hang out with attention given by-way-of talking, some petting, feeding, spraying and soaking; handling him a little at a time once he gets settled in?
My friend brought her iguana over for the weekend and it hung out enjoying all the activity in my home. My cats looked at it for a while, but they really didn't seem interested in the pursuit of something as big as they were. My one dog did watch it for a while, but I would put this one up in my bedroom where it couldn't knock anything over and start a fire while we are gone. (it is dark and quiet in there.) I have to add I am a stay-at-home, home schooling mom, so we are home most of the time.
I have read the FAQ sheet, I have some idea what they eat (the guy I would get him from has a feeding list as well) and I would frequent this board to make sure he is getting what he needs (vitamins, friuts and veggies, etc.)
SO, does it sound like we are ready? Should I let someone else adopt this boy?
Let me know what you guys think. I would like to adopt him, but I want to be sure I am ready for him.

Please tell me that the iguana would be separted from the cats and dogs while you are not watching. Other wise, only you know whether you are ready for this or not. It sounds like you've done some of your homework and have a good idea what you would be getting into. I recently adopted a 4' male and he is great! A real sweetie. I work with native reptiles professionally, so the only real problem I've had with him is accidentally sitting on his tail. (Scared me to death, he was fine.)

>> This little boy (he is only two-feet-long right now) only has three legs (I don't mind, the guy says he gets around fine)

I've had a three-legger (Freddie), and have known others, and they can do just fine, given the right climbing materials. Then again, Freddie was able to scale up to the seats of my leather couch just fine.

>> He is coming from a reptile home not a pet store or animal control, so I am sure he is healthy and is handled regularly.

But you will get him checked out by a reptile vet, anyway, right? It is important to, especially if you don't have a lot of experience with assessing iguanas. In addition to whatever he has (or doesn't have) when he comes to you, the stress of the move to a new home, new people, and furry pets is going to be stressful, stress that may last several months. During that time, his immune system may slump, making him susceptible to infection and causing an undesirable change in his parasite load. So, get him to a herp vet shortly after you acquire him, and then get him checked out three months or so later, making sure to take a fresh fecal sample with you.

>> My question is, how should I handle the transition? Is it mandatory that he be confined to a cage, or should we just let him hang out with attention given by-way-of talking, some petting, feeding, spraying and soaking; handling him a little at a time once he gets settled in?

Is he going to live in a cage most or all of the time with you? Or do you plan on setting him up as afree-roamer? If the latter, get the areas set up for him before he comes home, introducing him to them when he comes.

If he is already tame and socialized, keep that up, petting, holding, talking to him. If he already has a name, keep it, don't change it. Use it a lot. They recognize their names, and using it when you're talking to him, even if you aren't looking at him, is reassuring.

>> My friend brought her iguana over for the weekend and it hung out enjoying all the activity in my home. My cats looked at it for a while, but they really didn't seem interested in the pursuit of something as big as they were. My one dog did watch it for a while, but I would put this one up in my bedroom where it couldn't knock anything over and start a fire while we are gone.

Are you talking about putting the dog or the iguana in there? Igs are very good at knocking over heat lamps, too, so if you are worried about your dog doing so, be worried about the iguana doing so.

No matter how well the iguana and furred beasties appear to get along, they will still need to be supervised, and sequestered in your absence. You might want to read my Green Iguanas and Other Family Pets article.

>>I have to add I am a stay-at-home, home schooling mom, so we are home most of the time.

That will help speed the transition...

>> I have read the FAQ sheet, I have some idea what they eat (the guy I would get him from has a feeding list as well)

Which doesn't necessarily mean that they are accurate...

>> SO, does it sound like we are ready? Should I let someone else adopt this boy?

If you are ready for the increase in time, headache, utility bills (remember: igs require tropic temperatures all year long, no matter how cold it gets outside or in the rest of the house...), food acquisition and prep, not to speak of dealing with change-related stress and breeding season (you'll find several articles on this in my Green Iguana site), and vet bills, then go for it.

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Melissk
anapsid.org
Iguanas for Dummies

I would keep mammals and reptiles seperate when not directly supervised. FOR SURE! The heat lamp would be set up where he could/would not be able to knock it over when we leave. Safety first is my motto when dealing with the animals. It is MUCH cheaper than vet bills!
Yes, I am ready for the bills or I wouldn't even THINK about adopting him. I know my curtains are GREAT for climbing!
He is going to be a free-roamer.
Thank you for the advice and help. I just wanted to make sure I was doing all the right things.

hey i think ur ready to adaopt the iggy but i hope ur curtains arent too expensive and be VERY careful with letting ur iggy jus roam around.they arent superman..they can fall off and get hurt..(expecially with three legs) and they are right briong him to to the vet ASAP to make sure it isnt infected or anything.and keep in mind if ur dos or cat jus nibbles playfully at ur iggy it can cause severe damage to him.

Thank you! I called the guy up, we are ready to get him on Tuesday night! Wohoo! Thank you for the name advice, I will keep it whatever it is!
No my curtains are NOT to expensive! I will probably hover under him while he DOES climb so I can catch him! I will post pics when I get him home!

>>No matter how well the iguana and furred beasties appear to get along, they will still need to be supervised, and sequestered in your absence. You might want to read my Green Iguanas and Other Family Pets article.
>>
>>
>>Melissk
>>anapsid.org
>>Iguanas for Dummies

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Hi Melissa, I wanted to read that article..... But it seems you hid it! Do you have a new link to it?
Thank you!
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Lin & Marley