Re: Have a few more questions to ask before i get an iggi.

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Posted by Annaka on January 31, 2002 at 12:23:27:

In Reply to: Have a few more questions to ask before i get an iggi. posted by Badmofo on January 30, 2002 at 22:47:57:

: 1. What is the best way to choose a good iguana from a cage full of baby iguanas?

Don't know where in CA you are, but check out Reptile Rhapsody rescue http://www.reptilerescueca.org/
they always have baby iguanas that need homes, and they will definitely be as healthy as possible before they are placed. Pick a feisty one that is bright and alert, and not too terrified of people.

: 2. Is it better to have a male or female iggi depending on mantaince, attitude, and cost?

I have adopted a big adult male, because I didn't want to deal with eggs. He does have an attitude, and I can be bitten if I don't watch his body language, but overall, he is not too bad. They are all individuals, I have met some males that were way nicer than mine, and some so wild that they could not be touched. Females tend to have a more stable personality overall, although I have met a few that were very defensive/aggressive. The potential egglaying problems with females caused me to pick a male. If you are getting a baby though, you are not going to be able to sex it, so you'll have to deal with whatever sex it turns out to be later.

: 3. Should you spay or nuder your iguana? Why? If so, does this curve the fighting and mating instinct like it does in dogs?

Check out http://www.anapsid.org/#igcare
ALL the articles there are well worth reading. Some, under the "breding" category are exactly what you are looking for. For what it's worth, my male is not and will not be neutered. The risks of the surgery are not worth it IMO. The only times I have heard of spaying females, is when they were eggbound (emergency situation)

: 4. How long does a merc vapor bulb's UV rays last? Six months like floresent?

At least one year of effective uv output, although manufacturer guarantees up to 2000hr working life.

Oh, and one more thing from your last post - don't let the iguana and dog be around each other without any enclosures. If the iguana bites or whips your rott, at worst the rottie will end up with a scar, but the iguana can be killed by one well-placed retaliating bite from the dog. Don't risk it.

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: : 1. What is the best way to choose a good iguana from a cage full of baby iguanas? : Don't know where in CA you are, but check out Reptile Rhapsody rescue http://www.reptilerescueca.org/ : they always have baby iguanas that need homes, and they will definitely be as healthy as possible before they are placed. Pick a feisty one that is bright and alert, and not too terrified of people. : : 2. Is it better to have a male or female iggi depending on mantaince, attitude, and cost? : I have adopted a big adult male, because I didn't want to deal with eggs. He does have an attitude, and I can be bitten if I don't watch his body language, but overall, he is not too bad. They are all individuals, I have met some males that were way nicer than mine, and some so wild that they could not be touched. Females tend to have a more stable personality overall, although I have met a few that were very defensive/aggressive. The potential egglaying problems with females caused me to pick a male. If you are getting a baby though, you are not going to be able to sex it, so you'll have to deal with whatever sex it turns out to be later. : : 3. Should you spay or nuder your iguana? Why? If so, does this curve the fighting and mating instinct like it does in dogs? : Check out http://www.anapsid.org/#igcare : ALL the articles there are well worth reading. Some, under the "breding" category are exactly what you are looking for. For what it's worth, my male is not and will not be neutered. The risks of the surgery are not worth it IMO. The only times I have heard of spaying females, is when they were eggbound (emergency situation) : : 4. How long does a merc vapor bulb's UV rays last? Six months like floresent? : At least one year of effective uv output, although manufacturer guarantees up to 2000hr working life. : Oh, and one more thing from your last post - don't let the iguana and dog be around each other without any enclosures. If the iguana bites or whips your rott, at worst the rottie will end up with a scar, but the iguana can be killed by one well-placed retaliating bite from the dog. Don't risk it.

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