Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,
Any realy important information before i get one? I have never had one of these and i have the oppurtunity to get one for free. Are they good pets? Also i would like some good housing ideas. Does anyone have blueprints that i can use? Any information at all would help so so much.

Costhkng

Wrong forum, but I'll be glad to help.
(The Cyclura & Ctenosaura forum above is where you want to go. Ctenosaura is the scientific name for spinys).

Ok... where to begin...

Depending on what subspecie you're getting, they grow b/w 2.5 to 3.5 feet. One can even get to 4 feet.

They are generally considered more aggressive than green iguanas (sorry), but as you'll find out on the other forum, there are cases where you can tame them enough for enjoyable handling and interaction. Some people say they seem to be more alert and intelligent than greens.

Diet is controversial, some say all veggies, other say add protein. Their teeth show that they are made to catch and hold prey, so protein in the diet should make up a percentage of the diet (but no more than 20-30%).

Housing is identical to green iguanas, and despite the smaller length, they still require nearly identical measurements and dimensions.

That's pretty much it in a few words.
For more information, ask the nice folks at the other forum above, as well as visit Melissa Kaplan's Iguana website for additional information.

For caging ideas and blue-prints, CagesbyDesign.com can give you ideas to how build one yourself (it's usually cheaper). Try to make it as nice as possible. I've seen enclosure where everything is mostly plywood, with maybe a log or two and that's it! Very depressing to look at... very depressing for the animal I'm sure.

Terrarium books also can help, maybe you can just skim through one at your local Barnes & Nobles or Borders or whatever you got.

Spiny-taileds are also called club-tailed iguanas, as well as black iguanas. They are very cool in looks, a gray area between a green iguana and a cyclura.

Hope this helps!

-IJ

........almost forgot. As with any animal, make sure once you have it you bring it to a vet asap for a good checkup etc. (de-worming, all that stuff)

Have you been offered a true Black Mexican Spinytail? If so, congrats as they are hard to come by. Spinytails do not make the best pets...they are more difficult to tame than their green cousins. Feed them the same as greens (altho I offer mine animal protein a couple of times a month), house them like greens, and spend lots of time with them after they become acclimated. They can be smart, interesting captives. One word of warning, watch out for the bite. These guys have wicked teeth that slice thru flesh like razor blades and they are fast as lightning.

Hi, I just picked up a San Esteban spiny tail last weekend in anaheim...Its about a week old but I was curious since i hear you guys mentioning that they are aggresive, should I start handling him even as a baby or should I just wait a little longer...I want a nice one from the get go so i wont HAVE to tame it lol

No.

A week old is way too young. You'll scare the scales out of it.
However, you can safely start on familiarity with your presence, after a week or so of 'solitude'.

Its first week or two are crucial. Leave it alone, let it get adjusted to its new enclosure (it is nice and spacious, with climbing areas, hiding areas, etc... right?).

The only times he should see you is when cleaning/feeding/watering.

Once he gets adjusted, and is eating regularly, as well as defecating regularly, you can start being more present (but not intrusive). Read a book, watch TV (keep the volume sensible), etc.

It has to get used to your presence, and understand you're a neutral presence as well, not predatory. Remember, they are more skittish than greens.

Roughly after the first month you can start gentle interactions INSIDE the enclosure. Petting, and so forth. If possible, never approach from above, that is a predatory approach. Come in from the sides (not from the back).

After a week or two of that, depending on its behavior towards you, begin handling. Short, and as stress-free as possible.

With progress, and patience, make the sessions longer.

Remember, do not rush. It is very tempting to do so, but it will screw everything up in the long run. Keep it simple, short, and with as little stress as possible. Offer treats during these interactions for positive reinforcement.

Let us know how it goes!

-IJ

thanks iguana Joe! ill keep all that in mind

Congrats on the San Estaban, good choice -- of the Ctens. Species, they have one of the better dispositions for becoming tame. Ask the breeder what he recommends. My guess is that he will tell you to handle frequently. Hatchling are most moldable while hatchlings, a few weeks later, they are more work. Good luck.

Yes it is a true black spiny tail for sure. Would it be worth the investment. Is there still a chance of it calming down somewhat even though its 2 feet already??

CosThKng

Not necessarily easy, but not impossible either.
Just watch those teeth, the spiny tail, and be persistant, give positive reinforcement, and minimize stress.

-IJ

Two feet is still immature. There is a good chance that you can socialize the Cteno to some degree. If you don't want the challenge, put me in touch with the current owner. I've been looking for a Mexican for a while now.