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SpookyScales · #1 (**permalink**) 09-26-2004, 03:01 PM

Hey Everyone! I started considering getting an iguana, and just started researching them. (I still have LOTS to learn!) I contacted several people to see if they know of any good breeders, and I also contacted a rescue to see what they have for adoption right now. I've considered getting an iguana before, but always got scared away with all the horrifying tales of iguanas in breeding season/sexual maturity. Do all iguanas get so "vicious" at breeding season/sexual maturity? Is there anyway to get one that won't? (I know that breeding season/sexual maturity is naturally occuring behavior, and iguanas are exotic, not domesticated pets.) What does your igauana(s) do during breeding season, and how do you cope? Do most iguana caretakers get hurt by thier iguana sometime in the igs lifetime? Please provide links to some good ig information sites! Even if you can only answer one or two questions...PLEASE do!! Thanks SO much, in advance!

Sincerely,
SpookyScales

NicoleRussell · #2 (**permalink**) 09-26-2004, 03:19 PM

I always say the same thing. Adopt a full grown iguana from a REPUTABLE rehab. If you are in the NE I can hook you up with a great place that adopts out healthy, problem free adults.
A baby will grow into something you have no clue about---could be ok ---could be a monster. Could be healthy, could be riddled with parasites. All iguanas are cheap as babies because 99.9 are imported....any problems have yet to be realized. Males will change with age....females have issues with egg laying.
With adults you know what you are getting already.
With so many needing homes I have no idea why anyone would buy one anyway.
I am adopting a green male (full grown) from AJ Gutman of the IIS. All I have to do is find some time to pick him up

SpookyScales · #3 (**permalink**) 09-27-2004, 10:15 PM

I have contacted several reptile and specialty iguana rescues in my area, to see what they have available. Hopefully I'll find my "dream ig!" I have yet some more questions...DO iguanas actually enjoy be handled, or is it something that they really would rather do without? Do iguanas like to be stroked, petted, and have thier ears rubbed? Are any iguana diets recommended as a small supplement (MONSTER, Zoomed, etc.), and if so which one, and about how much of the diet should this food source make up? Thanks so much for the help!!

Sincerely,
SpookyScales

NicoleRussell · #4 (**permalink**) 09-28-2004, 11:59 AM

good for you--look for a healthy full grown animal who has been there for a while (therfore adressing any problems that may have come up)--ask why they were placed and if any behavioral problems have come up.
They use zoomed down in grand cayman for the igs--I use monster most of the time. They spinkle it in the salad and wet it down slightly (mist) to moisten the pellets and then mix it well.
I use the monster whenever my greens are looking not so good (like at the end the week) and I mix with warm water or baby food--just enough to make the pellets moist.
For supplements I use iguana dust---you can't beat it--it's a whole food supplement.
What I am saying is take in everything that reputable people follow then find your own way. Remember that supplements are supplements and igs thrive on fresh greens, veggies, flowers and fruits.

NicoleRussell · #5 (**permalink**) 09-28-2004, 12:01 PM

each animal is different as far as handling--some love human contact and some seem to hate people. That's another reason it's smart to get an adult and find out what personality type our getting.

SpookyScales · #6 (**permalink**) 09-29-2004, 10:10 PM

One BIG ig rescue replied back to me, and said that they have many igs for adoption..but several that I might be interested in. (She gets on average about 30 calls a week for igs that people don't want

!) Anyways...she said that they have 3 that are from 2-3 years old, and they are smaller than most igs at that age. They are all friendly and easy to handle. She also told me of a 10 yr. old female that supposively has a wonderful personality and has had great health through her life. She further told me that on average she's seen most people do better with a smaller iguana, because they've had less health problems...than some of the larger ones that have received bad care (which is most of them.) Before I make a decicion...I will definetly meet all of them. Which one would YOU get and why? Which one would you reccommend me getting and why? Are gravidity problems common in adult igs, and what can you do to avoid these problems? If you handle your iguana A LOT...do you think that you'd have a better chance of having one that's not too bad at breeding season...or is that factor uncontrollable? Thanks SO much, and I look forward to hearing back from you!!

Sincerely,
SpookyScales

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