As you have all heard by now, there is an epidemic of baby reptiles being won as prizes at carnivals all over the country. Well, it so happens I won a hatchling iguana in northeast PA. Since I was not expecting this and do not currently have the monetary resources for a decent enclosure, I have had basically a learn-as-I-go attitude towards raising 'Rupert' as a free roaming iguana, using Melissa Kaplan's iguana care guide as a bible. I live in a highrise apartment (17th floor) in Philadelphia, PA. At the moment, I am keeping Rupert in the walk-in closet at the side of my living room up on a sturdy shelf about 6 1/2 feet off the ground. So far I have duct taped over everything he (or she - still to be determined) might get himself into - airconditioner, fridge, dishwasher, etc. I am using a 100W Zoo Med basking spot lamp during the day and a human heating pad and oil space heater at night. I could use any suggestions and advice about keeping a free roaming iguana safe and happy.
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
free roaming iguana....safe and happy?
Replies (1)
Iguanas are much like cats, as in they'll climb and move over anything. This means lots of objects can be hazardous, or risk breakage by a free-roaming iguana.
Secure wires so that they don't tangle up.
Avoid cold breezes, and make sure the animal has a basking spot or two, that way you'll know where the animal will be most of the times.
Make sure the floor is easily cleanable, and that there are no small objects to be swallowed.
Any books on iguanas have many advices, as well as the staple Melissa Kaplan website.
-IJ
