Surprise Iguana...

[Valentine Pirate]

Never thought I'd be using "surprise" and "iguana" in the same sentence, certainly wasn't prepared for it either. It's almost comical that just earlier yesterday I was fretting about where we'd put feeder rats

My boyfriend went ahead and got an iguana from petco. My first thought was chinese water dragon when I saw the bright green thing, but he was happy to correct me on that... The only reason I'm not panicking or telling him to take it back is that he had a male green iguana for 11 years, so he's very aware of the size, dietary, and behavioral issues. I did a fair amount of research a couple years ago thinking I might get one, but I decided it wouldn't be a good idea. Only thing that's changed now is that my significant other has hands on experience, and he'll be sharing the financial burden. I'm so thankful that we have a reptile friendly landlord as well

I understand that this is going to be a TON of hard work, money, and time. But I'm determined to do this right, and seeing as we have the poor thing in a temporary large kritter keeper I'm just scrambling to get all the information together, and figure out what we need to do now.

Help me! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited, but I am so overwhelmed by anxiety about the fact we aren't prepared at all. I know if we re-arrange the house and get rid of some of our furniture we'll be able to have the space. Just need some recommendations on books, resources online, people to talk to, anything you guys can suggest. I'll take anything I can get at this point, doing the basic google rundown as I'm writing this

[4Ballz]

I had one living (when she was full grown at 6' with original tail) in a 4x4x8 box. She loved it, and was very docile. Sadly, I moved in late November 2001, and had to give her away, as my move was 2300 km's. It is something I had to live with, giving her away :-(

[zelos888]

Im still getting used to having my guy,he is the meanest lizard i have ever seen O_O but i got him a day and night light and just recently i added a hide box,which won't last long because he is growing fast but it is helpful when he wants to get away from the noise of the world,Also put lots of climbing things since they love being suspended in the air per say.Sorry thats all i got or can think of.

[M&H]

A green iguana was my first reptile! I kept her in a five foot two story self built cage. You will rarely find anything pre-made that will satisfy the requirements of an iguana from juvenile to adult. Mine loved to go to the bathroom in a big water tub. This also helped to keep the rest of the cage clean since I didn't have to "hunt" for "surprises". The best thing for them is the reptile carpet. Make sure it's actual reptile carpet and not the outdoor carpet because of the loops. The top floor was her basking bulb and uvb bulb. The bottom floor was her "cool" area and water bowl.

The best best best thing you can do it handle it as much as you can. Get it used to having it's feet touched because trying to keep their feet still while clipping those talons can be a challenge. I used to feed her her favorite treats outside of the cage when she was with me. This way she associated me with her favorite foods.

Try to vary their diet, a balance of veggies and fruit is always the best. Shedding can be tricky with all those spikes as it gets older. Not like a snake where it sheds all in one and need to make sure the spike shed from the base and isn't constricting blood flow. Also careful with the tail they do fall off!

The big thing is not to expect it to be tame. I have heard and seen ten Iguana horror stories for every one tame story. Truth is once they hit puberty they tend to do their own thing. I remember my forearms being scratched and welt marks from her nails and tail. I never was bitten, thankfully, but was a challenge.

Good luck with your new iguana. I am sure none of this was really new to you, however hope I helped some in anyway. I rescued mine and she was already an adult. However I would love to have another iguana if only I could get my girlfriend to go with it