iguana...long...sort of

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Iguana Forum ]

Posted by Tenor Goddess on August 31, 2002 at 09:20:15:

In Reply to: IgUanA posted by bearded_dragon on August 30, 2002 at 23:54:03:

:Hello, i was wondering if i should get an iguana for a pet? Are they good for first pets? and are there any iguana types that dont get bigger then 2-3 feet?

Read Merlin's post below for sure like he says. I've worked with green iguanas for over 8 years now. They are NOT beginner lizards by any means and are in actuality, very high maintenence and exhausting to maintain. Factor in their personalities on top of high intelligence and you've got a smart, often mischevious Godzilla on your hands. They are big, beautiful, amazing lizards and I wouldn't trade mine in for anything.
If you would like a great starter lizard, look at leopard geckos. I would recommend those above all for a beginner to lizard keeping. :) They are really low maintenence and low expense (compared to the rest) to keep. Keep in mind the following factors in keeping reptiles what you must consider. Though the initial cost of the animal may be small, the setup greatly outweighs that cost but is the investment of great health:
UVB lighting (I recommend Reptisun 5.0 also called Iguanalight5.0...though this doesn't mean it's JUST for iguanas)
heating elements (CHE - ceramic heat emitters, day basking bulbs, heating pads) you will need to monitor heat gradients and basking areas literally night and day.
proper lamps to accomodate the above bulbs
proper substrate
large enclosure suited to whatever lizard you are getting - different lizards require different roaming space
food
planned reptile vet for emergencies BEFORE you get the reptile
and time for interaction and loads of love

That's generally what any reptile requires above, there are specific requirements in each section according to what reptile you wish to keep. We are not trying to dissuade you totally, if you want a certain type of lizard just ask what you're interested in and we will all be very happy to help you. :) Also, check out the other wonderful forums on this site for like the geckos, leopard geckos, anoles and some other cuties. Iguanas are just the king of all lizards and should be obtained ONLY if you have a strong commitment to keep a VERY large, sometimes very aggressive lizard with all the maintenence needs. I would start out small for sure so you can determine just what type of lizards you like. I have friends that only like desert dwelling species because that way they don't have to fool with all the humidity requirements of the more tropical variety. That's why it's just best to start simple and work towards the more advanced scalies. :D Hope this helped.

Follow Ups:

Why dont you buy a water dragon?? Flavia Guimaraes 08/31/02 (0)