a message from ProExotics about Iguanas

[NicoleRussell]

Just so everyone knows the down side if they are considering an iguana.
(Taken from the PE website )

Why don’t you sell Iguanas?

For the same reason that we don’t sell Niles, Burms, Retics, and other largely inappropriate reptiles. They are a poor choice for a pet reptile.

There are HUGE Iguana farms in Central America that ship out hundreds of thousands of baby iguanas to the u.s. each year. They are easily the most "well known" lizard on the market. And probably the worst choice for a beginning keeper.

I will keep this short and sweet. I am not interested in arguing this point with Iguana keepers or enthusiasts.

Iguanas get big. Iguanas need a large (and not inexpensive) cage. Iguanas typically get quite aggressive.

Great, a big, mean lizard that needs large and elaborate caging, what better choice for someone that has never kept a reptile before (Iguanas are a frequent "first reptile purchase").

Baby Iguanas are cute enough, sure (can you say "impulse purchase"?). But Iguanas also go through perhaps the worst puberty and maturation stage of any reptile. They become extremely territorial and anti social, and male Iguanas in particular may attack any "intruder" in their territory (most often a female, of any species). Iguana bites are nasty and serious, and very common occurance.

I will never forget the one time in our retail store, explaining this very FAQ to a new customer, when "Enthusiast Jill" the Iguana keeper chimed in to say "That’s not true! My Iguana is GREAT, I love him, and he CERTAINLY isn’t mean!"

I told "Jill" that I was happy to hear of her success, but that we get A LOT more feedback from keepers with negative Iguana experiences than positive ones, and they most often involve aggression, so yes, it does happen.

And then "Jill" says...

"Well, he did bite me on the nose once and I had to get stitches, but I am careful now when I handle him!"

As if that makes ALL the difference!

We get perhaps a dozen calls a week from folks looking to "get rid" of their Iguanas, for many, many, negative reasons. In the meantime, just about every other pet shop in the country sells these heavily marketed, cheap animals. You can buy an Iguana from those stores, not Pro Exotics. We would rather educate you about lizards that would make a better "pet" choice. Great Reptiles for a Great Experience, and no neglected Iguanas.

[John_White]

Originally Posted by NicoleRussell

"Well, he did bite me on the nose once and I had to get stitches, but I am careful now when I handle him!"

New from Ronco it's the Iguana Rhinoplasty kit.

[NicoleRussell]

Originally Posted by John_White

New from Ronco it's the Iguana Rhinoplasty kit.

LOL

[AbercrombieGuy]

very true an iguana was my first reptile but it wasnt a baby, it was a 4.5 extremely aggressive male. i didnt see him as that i saw him as a project. the poor thing was burned from a heat lamp,had like 8 coats of spine shed stuck on him, and never handled in 5 years due to his owner being afraid of him. but back to the point.. ive had stiches on my lip from him lungeing at me, and not to mention scars on my arms for life. and his 8 long 4 wide 6 tall cage tallyed up roud 850$ but yes dont getting one if you dont have the cash,patients,and time

[reptigirl04]

Exactly.
I love my ig, but i wont say that he's 'nice'...nor will i reccommend an iguana as a pet to Anyone i know, even if i could trust them to take the proper care.
The paragraphs above do make some valid points. I agree with it, but i still love my iguana and i still want him. I know what i got myself into and i'm willing to stick with it till the end. There are far too many people who wont and dont stick with it though.
Overall, i feel igs have the potential to be very affectionate and rewarding pets, but as AbercrombieGuy said, the owner needs to have the time, $, and patience.

	Iguana Iguana

[NicoleRussell]

For whatever reason I didn't see this response...sorry.
Along with time and money and all that---what about 2-3 years into having a male? A VERY high percentage turn on their owners and it isn't pretty. Get IGUANA magazine---the green ig issue. One woman interview spoiled her iguana for years---the lizard was tame and sweet etc etc---then one day BAM! 16 stitches!
She had no clue what she did wrong to elicit such behavior. She made a million calls to try and help her ig because she loved him so much.
It ended up at a rehab place with Iguana behavior professionals. After months of trying to help this animal it was beyond any help they could give. Coming into maturity had perminently changed his disposition.
He was humanely put to sleep and the owner was heartbroken.
The author ran this behavioral facility and says the story changes a bit but always ends bad. Males will have issues at some point...some issues are worse then others. No Iguana can be judged on how they act as babies. One day it can just happen....
The scarey part is there is sometimes no clue as to when this will occur.
I have heard people keeping females with no behavioral problems but they have egg laying issues---overall it takes a very well educated person with alot of space to care for these guys. And even then sometimes it's just not enough

[haroldo359]

great info, nicole.

[IguanaFan]

Nicole

You brought up some extremely vaild points about iguanas and yes they do cost a lot of money to maintain. Puberty and breeding season for these guys is no picnic. And they are definately not for beginners.

I have been lucky with Marley a 4 year old male. I learned what I know about Iguanas from my uncle, he has always had Iguanas and Geckos for as long as I can remember. He also had quiet a few scars from dealing Iguanas..most of his scars were acquired during breeding season.

The only issue I have with Marley is that when he comes into "season" I become his "mate" and he gets very frustrated because he knows if he bites me the consequence is that he will have very little attention..except for the basic care. So for about three weeks I have a very frustrated iguana that hardly eats and basically mopes around.

Marley's home is basically the entire back porch of my house. I am lucky enough to live in a warm enough environment so that during the summer he can stay out side and only has to come inside during the winter. Which in Georgia is a very short winter.

I am glad that I finally happened upon RTB! Finally a very informative website!

	Iguana Iguana

[Shuba]

The only issue I have with Marley is that when he comes into "season" I become his "mate"

LOLOLOLOLOL