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[Strider]

Ok I have decided to get either a few crested geckos or some snow corn snakes. I have a few questions on both. For the crested geckos what does the humidiy have to be set at and how tall does the enclosure have to be I have read the caresheets here and couldnt find that. As for both of them is at high 70's temp ok to keep them both at or do i need to get heaters. Thanks.

[BallPythonBabe448]

(for cresties) Those temps would be fine. I keep mine like 70% humidity.

They need atleast a 20 gallon TALL cage when they are adults.

[wendyhoo9]

For the crested geckos what does the humidiy have to be set at and how tall does the enclosure have to be I have read the caresheets here and couldnt find that.

I've had a 20 gallon tank on end recommended for cresteds but I chose to house in an aboreal herpcage that is 16 x 16 x 20. I'm getting a new enclosure to house my trio breeding group in a 16 x 16 x 30. As of now I have 5 juvenilles playing nicely in the smaller cage. As for humidity, they don't need constant humidity as I've read it is good for the water to dry up so as to avoid fungal and bacterial infestations. Misting adults twice a day seems sufficient for most (babies require 3 -4 to ensure they are drinking enough).

As for both of them is at high 70's temp ok to keep them both at or do i need to get heaters. Thanks.

Cresteds to well anywhere between 70 and 80 degrees, though I've read of some providing a slight heat source (via low watt bulb, 25 or so) to raise a warm spot of around 82 degrees (over 85 is bad).

I've read a small percentage of people who say that cornsnakes if temps are kept at high 70s they don't need supplemental heating, but I as well as most others provide a temp gradient with UTHs. Some do 70 cool and 82 warm, others I've read do 70 cool and 90 warm. All seem to agree babies need warmer temps from 80 - 90 on their hot side and no lower than 78 on their cool. I've also read humidity is not a prob for corns, and providing a water bowl is enough (unless you see an incomplete shed).

Depending on what you want from your new pets if your breeding cresties have no pinpointed genetic traits and are mainly line bred while of course everyone is familiar with the 101 flavors of corns with set genetics (something I'm beginning to get pulled into myself!)

[Strider]

Well after doing a lot of research and I am still doing some I have decided on a green iguana. My birthday is next month so Im going to ask for it then. If for some reason I can not get the iguana I will get some cresties. The poll was just to see what people prefer and I thank all of you for your imput. The reason I dont want a corn is because I have a Bp and I dont want another snake. Its not that i dont like my Bp I just want something different than a snake.

[SatanicIntention]

I think there are alot more wiser choices out there than a Green Iguana. There are thousands, if not more, in rescues that are unwanted, so why contribute to the importation of these guys? Look up some rescues if you are seriously wanting to get one. You will do the rescue, as well as the lizard, a big favor.

If you want a lizard-type animal, why not a Yellow Ackie or something? They don't get as big(2.5'-3') and don't have the horrible attitude that the Iguana does. There are Bearded Dragons, Cresteds, Uromastyx, etc. You can get a Captive Bred and Born animal that has been properly taken care of, rather than a baby iguana that has been shipped over in a box with hundreds of others that may be sick, parasitized, or even dying(or already dead).

Uros are neat as they come in gorgeous colors and are also a vegetarian species. Cresties also come in many different colors/patterns, they thrive in room temperatures, require no expensive UVB setup, and are funny to watch. Bearded Dragons are hilarious to watch, and are omnivorous. They do require UVB lighting and a good-sized enclosure(4x2x2-like Uros), but are very rewarding and seem to like to be handled.

All I am saying is that there are MANY many other choices other than an Iguana. You won't be spending hundreds of dollars getting the animal deparasitized, eating, the huge enclosure it will need as well as the expensive UVB lighting and other heating methods used to heat such a large enclosure. It would probably be more rewarding to get a quality captive bred animal that you know was taken care of properly before it got to you.

[Strider]

Like I said before I was and am still doing research. If I do get the iguana then I will adopt. I have priced it out and I could pick up an iguana for like next to nothing at a rescue. As for the housing I have most of the stuff at my house allready all i need to do it buy heating elements. As for the size I want a lizard that size. The temperment can change with handling as I have read on many sites. I will not jump the gun on any live animal that I buy. I will have everything all set up and make sure I am able to handle it before I buy one. The county fair was just here and there was an iguana on display that I got to pick up. It was so cool. It just looked at me and didnt care that I was holding him. I know not all animals will be like that but if that one can become that tame so can anything else.

[frankykeno]

As Becky says there's so many in rescues and they are mostly there as they are a very challenging creature to take on. We have friends who have one....even tho they love her and would never give her up now...they all say had they known the level of work involved they would have chosen otherwise. As they have told me it's basically like having an infant for the rest of your life (but an infant that can tail whip you pretty severely). They also have a very specific diet and it's not particularily cheap to feed them.

I'm not saying don't get one. Just be very very aware of the high level of committment involved and the fact that should you change your mind, your iggy won't be easy to find a new home for. If you do get one, please please consider getting a rescued one rather than encouraging a pet store to just bring in more of the poor critters.


~~Jo~~

[Schlyne]

If you can, I would suggest you go visit the reptile adoption place, or visit somebody who acutally has a full grown iguana. Six feet of reptile is a lot to handle, and adult caging might as well be an entire room.

[rabernet]

My "lovely" boyfriend bought a baby green iguana this past spring. Needless to say, I was not happy about it, he did not do research on it, and I did NOT want an aggressive animal in the house. He was a mean bugger, but sadly died a few months later. During that time I was reading up on balls (what I really wanted to get at the time) and after sufficient "mourning" period, got Kashmire (was not ABOUT to let Karl get another iguana to put in that tank! LOL).


They are A LOT of work, so if you're sure you're ready for it, go for it. But it does require a LOT of room as an adult. Are you ready for that?

[mlededee]

i would highly, HIGHLY advise against an iguana. something like a crested is SO much easier, friendlier, less expensive in the long run, has less husbandry requirements, etc, etc. please do take this decision very seriously.

as far as temperment and taming, not every animal can be tamed like you think. they are all different and you can't rely on them becoming tame, even with handling and lots of human interaction. with iguanas, the temperment can change for the better with work, but it can also change for the bad, suddenly and for no reason. i've seen it happen and it's not pretty.

you could get a baby crested or a baby corn for "next to nothing" also if you look around, but honestly, that should not even be of consideration. the price of the animal itself is the least expense you will have when getting a new pet--you have to factor in an enclosure (one that can be used now and one that can be used when the animal is adult size), food, heating, hides, bowls, etc.

think about it, and choose wisely.