Iguana Opinion

So my mom knows this lady that has a 15 year old iguana and shes giving it away for free do you think its a good idea to get him i mean hes pretty chill what do you guys think. He comes with everything.

Igs can be finicky. They need lots of space, but you still need to maintain high humidity, provide UV for basking and the correct temps for thermal regulation. They plow through fresh greens and veggies every day, and they poop like Saint Bernards. They're big, some of them will always have an attitude, and their claws, tails and teeth can do enough damage to land you in an emergency room.

That said, they're intelligent, come with stand out personalities, get attached to and form bonds with their handlers, and are a really engaging animal to keep. If you're up for the challenge, go for it. Since it's a rescue, absolutely make sure you have a god herp vet on hand and get the baby checked out. also do a thorough inspection of all the equipment. I can not even count the amount of times I've seen people trying to give away reptiles "with all the equipment" when the equipment amounted to too small caging, some branches, and a heat rock.

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

Igs can be finicky. They need lots of space, but you still need to maintain high humidity, provide UV for basking and the correct temps for thermal regulation. They plow through fresh greens and veggies every day, and they poop like Saint Bernards. They're big, some of them will always have an attitude, and their claws, tails and teeth can do enough damage to land you in an emergency room.

That said, they're intelligent, come with stand out personalities, get attached to and form bonds with their handlers, and are a really engaging animal to keep. If you're up for the challenge, go for it. Since it's a rescue, absolutely make sure you have a god herp vet on hand and get the baby checked out. also do a thorough inspection of all the equipment. I can not even count the amount of times I've seen people trying to give away reptiles "with all the equipment" when the equipment amounted to too small caging, some branches, and a heat rock.

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All of this and more!

Iggys are a huge commitment and really need a very large (and proper) space to thrive. If this one has been kept in something too small and otherwise improper, its "chill" attitude could be from literally being too cold, malnourished, sick, or other physical or mental ailments. It's quite possible that if put into a good home with the right lights, space, climbing limbs, heat, and food...he could "wake up" and display an entirely different (and likely highly unsocial) personality.

Maybe it's all good...maybe the lady giving him away knew how to care for it and socialized it properly. But either way, it would behoove you to do a lot of research and think very hard about the commitment you'd be taking on.

Yes iguanas can be chilled but no matter how chilled they are during mating season it's an all other ball game.

Those are not beginner lizards (this comes from someone who used to do iguana rescue and who owned a pretty chilled rescue iguana :rolleyes:)

They are the number 1 disposable reptiles you buy them cheap thinking they are cute and will be puppy tame and than realize that the reality of it is somewhat different. Iguanas are such a problem, most rescues refuse to take them (and this is nothing new)

Coming with everything based on my experience means very little, many people do not provide the proper husbandry that those animals need.

Do it comes with a 6 x 4 x 6 enclosure or bigger? If not this will be one of your first cost, an adequate enclosure.

Does it comes with proper UV light and basking lights?

Do you have the time and resources to dedicate to such animal.

Remember because something is cheap or free does not mean it's something you should get into, do your research, iguana ownership can be very rewarding but not everyone is meant to be an iguana owner.

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Those are not beginner lizards (this comes from someone who used to do iguana rescue and who owned a pretty chilled rescue iguana :rolleyes:)

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You know what's hilarious is that an ig actually was my first herp lol.

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

You know what's hilarious is that an ig actually was my first herp lol.

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The vast majority of iguanas are sold to folks who have no business owning one - eg, children and inexperienced keepers.

She took him in from her neighbor that didn't want him anymore and her husband used to be in the hobby. And he's pretty old he's about 15 years old

He has the right caging and lighting. I have a few pictures if you guys want to see

Sure, post some pics!

his cage is a 6 foot tall 6 foot wide and 3 feet deep. He had a bit of a lip problem when he was younger. keep in mind hes about 15 http://i.imgur.com/sAYwf8r.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/cD1pjak.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zS7vx1k.jpg

Igs are huge commitment and take alot of time out of your day..they are very rewarding pet tho...I had to regime this guy to my friend because college and work didn't leave enough time to spend working with him.he was the most relaxed igg I have seen and would spend hours relaxing on the couch before chasing the cat and returning to his roomhttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09...7991ba16ae.jpg

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What exactly happened to his mouth? Never seen that before, he must be able to eat ok though? He looks pretty dark in the pics which would make me wonder if he's being kept too cool but hard to say. If you have the time, space and money to commit go for it, just keep in mind that they are a difficult pet that eats and craps a ton, this guy is pretty old so you may be looking at limited time with him and some health issues also.

I'm pretty sure it's from mbd but they said he was fine perfectly fine and and if he's not at the right temps I have money that I can drop to get him the right things he needs