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Posted by Ig Chick on January 31, 2002 at 13:00:52:
In Reply to: this doesn't SEEM like work.... posted by badgrrl on January 31, 2002 at 11:29:59:
Tegus have completely different care requirements from an iguana, not to mention completely different nutritional needs. On that note, I would go spend some time talking to Jeff Houston over at the KS tegu formum for more specific tegu information. If you talk to people who keep both tegus and iguanas, they will tell you that the tegu is easier to care for hands down no contest.
Keeping in mind that my husband and I do rescue -(now formally)still doesn't change things. Whatever one iguana needs, the rest of them here need. I was going to try to give you an idea of a typical day but since we are currently caring for a dozen, each one with its own specific needs, some medical, that's really hard to do.
What it comes down to is TIME, MONEY, AVAILABLE RESOURCES and PATIENCE. When people tell us they are thinking about getting an iguana we usually offer the following -
Do you have TIME? On average, if you want your iguana to be a socialized adult you need to spend 1 hour minimum per day handling him/her and interacting with him/her. You will also need time in that same day for bathing the ig, cleaning the cage and prepping food. Some days will take extra time i.e. -nail clipping, cage disinfection,etc. On top of all that, an iguana may live up to 20 years and it is going to be your responcibility for all those years!
Do you have the MONEY? You'll need to build or buy a 3'x6'x6' cage for your iguana and outfit that cage with UVB producing light, a heat source and humidifier with optionals like timers and thermostats. If you go look at the cages on our website at www.theiguanaspot.com you'll see that housing an iguana properly isn't cheap. Next consider food, an iguana needs fresh fruits and veggies. Even if you only spend $20.00 per week, that's over $1000.00 per year. On top of that your electric bill is going to go up, as well as whatever you use to heat your home (especially if you live in a colder climate). Your water bill will also see an increase from the daily baths and cleaning routines. Plan for vet care -yes, even if nothing goes wrong the iguana needs to see the vet atleast once a year. We suggest always having a minimum of $100.00 set aside for emergency needs (bulb breaks, iguana needs vet care, etc.)
What RESOURCES are AVAILABLE to you? Do you have a good reptile vet in your area? Can you get the greens your iguana needs close to home? Do you have the knowledge, tools and ability to build a proper enclosure? Do you have the basic knowledge to keep your iguana healthy? If you want to go away on vacation do you have someone willing to come in and take care of your iguana?
Are you PATIENT? Iguanas take a ton of time if you are going to properly socialize them. You'll have to be willing to put up with clawing, tail whipping and yes, biting.
Despite what some people think, an iguana is not simple to care for. It's not like a dog that you can take outside to do its business, give it some food and play with it when you feel like. An iguana is an every day commitment and IMHO not the ideal pet for most people. The #1 reason people give us for not wanting their iguana anymore is that they do not have the time or money to properly care for it -if they had thought about that in the first place, then maybe they wouldn't have been so quick to buy an iguana.
