Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my female from Bob Ehrig last Christmas and she is my sweetie and I love her very much! However, she is not the tamest (despite my best efforts) and I'm wondering if her life would be any happier with a friend? If so, I would want another female to avoid breeding issues, do two girls work together? I know they would need to be the same size.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Which species of cyclura are you talking about ? Generally one with all attention is best. Second choice for cornuta is one of each sex, but it varies with igs personalities. The two in this picture are brother sister, and they have always gotten along well.

Hi

She is a Rhino Iguana and she's not overly fond of my attention. She just pretty much wants her food and to be left alone. I've exhausted all attempts at taming her and I've just accepted that may never happen. She came to me at 1 year of age and has mellowed a bit since then but she seems to be wild at heart and I don't know if it's possible to change that at this point. I just thought a friend might make her life happier but if it won't I'll just let her be.

Cyclura tend to calm down and become more socialized after their 2nd birthday. Give her attention on a daily basis and you will be rewarded. My Ehrig male is a big sweetheart and it took close to the whole 2 years for him to settle down.
If you do decide at some point to get another one, my experience is that pairs do better together. None of my female iguanas (Rhinos, Cubans, or hybrids), will tolerate another female (Cyclura) in their space. They will, however, cohabitate nicely with female or male Green Iguanas.

I wasn't clear on that point. Also, I assume he would have to be about the same size? If he was a male would he try to mate with her eventually?

Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it.

My female Cyclura tend to tolerate male Greens better but will get along with female Greens also. Occasionally there is some discord during breeding season but it usually is minor. I've had one male Green iguana that tried to breed one of the female Cyclura, a much larger female Rhino. It was funny to watch because the Rhino just acted like she had a fly on her back and continued to go about her business! LOL That male Green has always had a mischievious streak and is often getting into trouble.

How do you house all of yours?? Do they roam free? I have a large cage my huband made, but I used to let her roam on my patio until she got out one day. Two of the screens got cuts from the lawn men that I was unaware of and I was so upset but then about a week later she came back (looking for food I assume). Since then, we still have the cuts in the screen but I'm nervous about letting her out again even when they get fixed b/c I can't always be here and I don't trust the lawn men not to do it again.

Should I let her roam in my house?

Anyway, I'd be interested to know about your housing, thanks so much for your responses!

Freeroaming has become a touchy subject around here but it can be done to certain degrees, depending on the keeper's diligence and habits. Iguanas can be habitualized to use the toilet at a certain time and in a certain space but this takes committment and patience. My adult Cyclura are freeroamers, at least in a confined room. Some get to freeroam the house on occasion. I'm a firm believer that this encourages trust and speeds the taming process.

Scheduled freeroaming time is certainly a possibility for your Cyclura. There are articles online that detail how to freeroam a Green Iguana. Do a search and I'm sure you'll find some helpfull information.