I.J. .....

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

Posted by Heather on September 15, 2002 at 18:18:51:

In Reply to: some ideas........ posted by IGUANA JOE on September 15, 2002 at 17:53:20:

I believe Water Dragons need the same size cage as Igs and I frankly just don't have enough room for one. Though I certainly think they are cool looking (Mom just goes "Eh, I like Igs better.") ~Rolls eyes~
Solomon Skinks is a possiblity. I'll check them out. But what would I do with the babies???

Can you recommend a care sheet for the Giant Geckos? Or even a web site for pics?? I haven't got a clue about them. I'll check them out too though.
I have one eastern Painted Turtle and One Spotted. I'd be worried about them getting to dry with no water since I'm usually walking around for a number of hours (2-4).
What is a Tegus???? I've heard a few people here mention them but again, I haven't got a clue. What do they eat? How big do the get? How big a cage? I'll look them up too but if you could answer those few questions to get me started, I'd appreciate it. :)
I always thought Monitors Needed a Dry, arid enviornment.... Hmmmm... And I also thought they were nasty! I'll look into..... ackies?? What do they eat?? Thanks.
I NEVER "jump" into anything. I researched Igs for 9 years before I adopted one. I appreciate all you suggestions. Looks like I'll be spending plenty of time on the net! :) lol

:A classical substitute to iguanas, is the "mini-me" version, that is, the Asian Water Dragon. Very similar in husbandry, with the exception of a diet that includes proteins, and the need to a large water "pool". Aussie water dragons from Agama International have a reputation to be exceptional specimens, and seem to be hardier and less stressful than Asians.

:Solomon's Skinks (corucia zebrata) are another specie with similar care. They are mostly nocturnal, and need a mate to prosper in captivity. They have however, extremely strong claws, not to mention vice-like jaws, yet have been known to tame well.

:New Caledonian Giant Geckos are the biggest on the market, and so far around. They reach 14"-16" TL, they are bulky, cool looking geckoes, and tame well as well, unlike the infamous but awsome tokay.

:Turtles, though they cannot be carried on a leash, are the easiest creatures to carry around (that is, the ones that do not reach 50-100+ pounds of weight!). Just pick them up like u would a box or a purse.

:Tegus are another popular attraction, the most widely recommended is the large Black n White Argentinian Tegu. Agama international is famous for breeding them as well.

:As for monitors, the best candidates I can think of are the Spiny-Tailed monitors (varanus achanthrus) aka "ackies". They reach about 2 feet as adults, if not a little over that, and are well-known to be rather tame.

:You are right about the chameleons. They are the most "eye-candy", but are way too delicate.

:These are just a few pointers. Make sure u do ur research first, and consult others who keep the animals u are interested in.

:Good luck!

:I J

Follow Ups:

What is a Tegu, you ask? Just about one of the jiffypop 09/15/02 (1)
- I LOVE your tegus!!!more Flavia Guimaraes 09/16/02 (0)