I GREATLY appreciate this information! Thank you so very much for your help

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Posted by RachelS. on January 06, 2002 at 16:53:31:

In Reply to: Re: Need help with heating the cage... posted by Mr. D on January 06, 2002 at 09:34:36:

: Not knowing the entire history of the family and the iguana this may very well be cruel of me to say but it's going to be said. Rachel, this isn't necessarily aimed directly at you - please read into this and try and make sure that "someone" is reading over your shoulder when you see this.

: Since iguanas need temperatures at an absolute MINIMUM of 75* with MUCH warmer basking spots, by not allowing the iguana into the home and denying it even the basic need of heat you could potentially be committing a crime. This could very well fall under animal cruelty laws in your state. In some cases 1st offenses are misdemeanors. Other cases go directly to felony. Since the basic necessity of heat is being denied I would go as far as assuming that, since the ig is in a cold garage that another basic necessity, humidity, is also being denied. Of course, since the iguana is becoming clod, at this point humidity would do nothing but make the iguana even sicker than it already probably is.
: What state are you in?

: If kept clean, iguana do not smell. In fact, the ONLY reason iguanas may develop an odor is because they are not being kept clean i.e. removal of waste, food allowing to rot,lack of bathing etc... If correct maintainence is performed IGUANAS DO NOT SMELL.

: Having said that, let's look at the problem of keeping your iguana warm. A radiant heat panel could very well assist in heating the enclosure. Try checking them out at HerpSuplies.com. We've been running one in conjunction with an ESU Temp Controller for 2 years constantly now with zero problems. Of course, if the enclosure is at all open (hardware cloth, god forbid chicken wire, etc.) There's little to nothing that can be done when the enclosure is in a garage.

: Without the proper heat, humidity, diet and UV light this iguana is doomed to a harsh, shortened, painful life.

: Now this IS directed at you, Rachel. Unfortunately, this sounds like a potentially very difficult situation. In this instance, if there is no way that you can convince your parents to allow the iguana indoors you should seriously consider finding the iguana another, more suitable home. Possibly relatives or friends until such time as you can properly care for it under your own roof. Just a suggestion.

: Check out the RHP's. They could help your situation. If your parents are having difficulty comprehending that this is a tropical animal with strict husbandry needs they may just simply need someone to familiarize them with iguanas. IF such is the case, feel free to drop me some e-mail. I'd be more than happy to talk with one/both of them on the phone.

: Good Luck and please keep us posted.

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: : Not knowing the entire history of the family and the iguana this may very well be cruel of me to say but it's going to be said. Rachel, this isn't necessarily aimed directly at you - please read into this and try and make sure that "someone" is reading over your shoulder when you see this. : : Since iguanas need temperatures at an absolute MINIMUM of 75* with MUCH warmer basking spots, by not allowing the iguana into the home and denying it even the basic need of heat you could potentially be committing a crime. This could very well fall under animal cruelty laws in your state. In some cases 1st offenses are misdemeanors. Other cases go directly to felony. Since the basic necessity of heat is being denied I would go as far as assuming that, since the ig is in a cold garage that another basic necessity, humidity, is also being denied. Of course, since the iguana is becoming clod, at this point humidity would do nothing but make the iguana even sicker than it already probably is. : : What state are you in? : : If kept clean, iguana do not smell. In fact, the ONLY reason iguanas may develop an odor is because they are not being kept clean i.e. removal of waste, food allowing to rot,lack of bathing etc... If correct maintainence is performed IGUANAS DO NOT SMELL. : : Having said that, let's look at the problem of keeping your iguana warm. A radiant heat panel could very well assist in heating the enclosure. Try checking them out at HerpSuplies.com. We've been running one in conjunction with an ESU Temp Controller for 2 years constantly now with zero problems. Of course, if the enclosure is at all open (hardware cloth, god forbid chicken wire, etc.) There's little to nothing that can be done when the enclosure is in a garage. : : Without the proper heat, humidity, diet and UV light this iguana is doomed to a harsh, shortened, painful life. : : Now this IS directed at you, Rachel. Unfortunately, this sounds like a potentially very difficult situation. In this instance, if there is no way that you can convince your parents to allow the iguana indoors you should seriously consider finding the iguana another, more suitable home. Possibly relatives or friends until such time as you can properly care for it under your own roof. Just a suggestion. : : Check out the RHP's. They could help your situation. If your parents are having difficulty comprehending that this is a tropical animal with strict husbandry needs they may just simply need someone to familiarize them with iguanas. IF such is the case, feel free to drop me some e-mail. I'd be more than happy to talk with one/both of them on the phone. : : Good Luck and please keep us posted.

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