Are you Ready for an Iguana?

Many people get involved with animals that they will not be able to handle once they grow up. It is a problem, spanning throughout the whole animal kingdom. From puppies that grow too large, to Sumatran Tigers that outgrow the cute cub age. These animals eventually either become neglected, sent to shelters which are full to the rim, or die. There is a serious issue with Green Iguana's as well. There is a surplus of imported Iguana's, filling up uneducated pet stores. In turn, these uneducated pet stores distribute incorrect information to their customers. The iguana's then grow too large, too aggressive, or too expensive to keep. The iguana's are then dumped on the doorstep of vet offices, foster homes, Pet Stores, and Herpetological Groups. The Herpetological Societies are up to their ears in Iguana's, in need of a home. To prevent this from happening, you must be responsible and read about Green Iguana's, learn about their care, history, and husbandry. Once you've found out what Green Iguana's require to be healthy and thrive, then you must consider whether you are ready for an iguana.

Male iguana's can grow to be over 6 feet long, and 20+ lbs. Female Iguana's usually don't grow over 5 feet (a larger female usually isn't common). A large iguana can be a formidable force, when charging you. A bite can cost the loss of a finger, and lots of stiches.

You also need to consider the enclosure they need. A full grown iguana may need a whole room to itself, or a VERY large enclosure. Are you prepared to provide this? Are you prepared to deal with an aggressive male iguana, during breeding season? Are you ready to deal with a gravid female? Are you able to pay for surgery if there are complications with egg-laying?

The electricty needs of an iguana are enormous. you need a 100 watt + bulb to bask, a CHE (ceramic heat emitter), UVA/UVB lights, Timers, Thermometers. Can you rake up the money to pay for that?

Vet bills are a large cost as well. A surgery to remove a tumor or abcess can cost $200+. A check up is around $30, a fecal exam about $15. What about if your iguana is injured? Can you pay for operations? If your female is egg-bound, can you pay for the operation to save her life?

All reptiles carry Salmonella. Are you willing to take the risk? Are you willing to take the extra precautions to prevent any illness? Can you take the risk involved with an ornery male? What about a moody gravid female? What about criticism? Difficulty to find an apartment whose land lord allows exotic pets?

I am not trying to bash iguana's, simply inform. I love my iguana(s) and would not trade them in for the world. You just need to make sure you can provide a good home for it/them. Take all of this into consideration. Discuss it with family. When you finally make your decision, make a wise one.