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Posted by Annaka on January 25, 2003 at 19:17:52:
In Reply to: Spiny Tail??... posted by mmfrankford on January 25, 2003 at 18:17:56:
What species of spiny tail were you looking at? I gather that Ctenosaura similis is the species most often sold at petstores, but there are several other spiny-tail species that are occasionaly available.
I researched getting a spiny-tail iguana a while ago. In a nutshell, the answer is YES - they are a challenging animal to keep. Judging by what the other keepers have told me, they do not relax around people as easily as green igs. An older one may never become trusting, and will likely be defensive/aggressive. You cannot assume you will be easily able to handle an adult, although a few people have been able to tame theirs by raising them up from a very young age. C. similis do not get as long as green igs, but the big males are almost as massive. Several other species of ctenosaura are smaller.
C. similis require a huge habitat, just as big as for a full grown green ig, though maybe with more than average floor space. I think 8'L x 4'W x 6'H is a good cage size for a comptible pair, but you should double-check that with other experienced cteno keepers. Most keepers provide plenty of hide areas, because the older imported simils need the security, someplace to get away. UV lighting is a must. They do climb, so use some heavy branches in the inclosure. Diet is similar to a green ig, though ctenosaurs eat some amount of animal protein. I should probably mention that due to their partly-carnivorous diet, their teeth are absolutely wicked, and you do NOT want to experience a bite first hand.
I do not have any spiny-tails yet, since I have my heart set on a beautiful juvenile male. Probably a wild one, but I can live with that, I hope.
Check on the Cyclura/Ctenosaura forum - it's a bit slow, but there are keepers and breeders with lots of experience. They'll be able to give better advice than I ...
