What kind of iguana should I get?
April 30th, 2010 | 
Author: Are green iguanas the best type of iguanas for pet owners. I am experienced with lizards and other reptiles. So if an iguana needs an intermediate to lower level expert I can handle that.
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I really wouldn’t reccomend an iguana as a pet for anyone unless they’re your cup of tea. But if you’re absolutely in love with the idea, and you’re willing to sacrifice a whooooooooooole lot of time to train it, I’d reccomend a green iguana. They’re a lot more hands on than other reptiles because you absolutely have to train them or else they’re super dangerous when they get older. For the first few years, you have to walk the fine line between showing him who’s boss, and letting him set his own boundaries. One mishap in that fine balance can ruin everything, and you’ll have to start from square one.
And they’re really, really smart. They learn how to read body language, and they catch on to things really quickly.
It took me almost two years before I was able to get my own iguana to the point where I could trust him not to run away when I took him out of his viv, and I was glad for it. It takes them about three years to get ginourmous, and when they do they have to be at the point where they trust you. If they don’t, you’ve got trouble on your hands. Trouble thats got a mouth full of sharp teeth, razor sharp claws, speed, strength, and a tail that hurts more than a fist to the face. And make sure to remember that even with all of your hard work, they’re still an unpredictable animal. Males, during their breeding season, tend to be really aggressive towards everything. Mine has chased me around the house before, because my leg looked that good to him. When they mate, they bite and twist their heads around, and it makes for a bloody, nasty mess.
When I got mine I had no idea what I was in for because he was so small and cute and green. Getting him tame was hell, I was bitten, scratched, whipped and clawed to the point where I’m still afraid to show my arms in public because the scars make it look like I’ve got issues. It never once occured to me to wear leather gloves. If you get one, make sure you remember that.
Despite all that, I love him more than I love most of my blood relatives, and our relationship now is completely rewarding. I can take him outside during the summer, and the neighborhood kids think he’s fantasic. I love nothing more than to show off my charming scaley tough guy, and he loves nothing more than to just sit in the sun and be scratched behind the eyes until he lets me stop.
Do your research, talk to people who have one and make sure you’re absolutely committed before you decide to pick one out. They’re not bearded dragons, take my word for it.
There are great Iguanas out there! I have a rhinocerus iguana that I use as an ambassador animal in programs. All of the iguanas would probably fit your experience level. Remember, ask for tame handleable babies as some of these that I will recommend make the best pets when you start them younger.
They all can be potty trained and/or target trained. See blogsite below for info concerning the training.
There are Cyclura iguanas:
Cuban rock, cayman hybrid lewisi, rhinocerus, other hybrid types. These impressive lizards look like dinosaurs and with the right handling will develop keeper recognition.
Here are some places to try on the web:
David Blair Iguanas-he is the iguana God
Kingsnake.com classifieds under lizards
Prehistoric Pets-a little spendy
LLL Reptile
Ben Siegal Reptiles
Good luck!
Males are less scared than females. Females tend to be more shy and skittish. Always use tongs when you feed. Look on the site below-right hand side for training videos and articles.
kindest regards,
Jerry
PS My rhino is in the slide show along with an adult….check it out.
DON’T GET a green iguana. Everyday people buy them and can’t take care of them a year down the road. Once they mature they can get VERY violent and reach lengths of six feet. Try a Savanah Monitor or Bearded Dragon. Bearded Dragons are not big, but have LOaDS of personality and one of my favorite of many pet experiences.