Iguana help questions....anyone???

[Bethjo]

Hi folks. Here is my situation. 2 years ago September my son and I found a baby Iguana in a city park. Kids were going to kill it so we had to rescue it. No one claimed it from a lost and found stand point. We are very consious about being responsible pet owners and caretakers and after watching the kids in the park, are scared to death about this 'guy'. We have given him a safe, healthy home (to the best of our knowledge...not lizard experts) and had 'him' checked by a vet. Currently 'he' is about 2' from nose to tip of tail and in a 75 gallon tank that has been ok but I think will likely be too small soon. 'He' wants out of it as well so I feel sorry for 'him.'

I don't know what it takes to deal with 'him' as he continues to grow. We were not a reckless family who got a lizard without thinking it through. Now I feel obligated to take care of 'him' but don't think I can likely provide the environment that 'he' will need for much longer. I am worried that if I give him to a pet store, a similar kid wanting to poke at 'him' will be the family 'he' ends up with....

Can anyone provide me with any advice here? In truth, I would rather not keep 'him' but feel obligated unless I can find an appropriate home.

Thanks in advance!
Beth

[Jackie]

Bethjo,
Welcome to the the world of rescuing reptiles. You will be 1 of 1000's that will be put in this position. Unfortunatley Iguana's have been let loose in various places and dropped in drop boxes of shelters. They are like cats, dropped off any where. This makes it tough for you to find a home, but I can offer resources for you to help care for him. We just dont have any temp placement for them as they get big and there are more of them, then homes wanting them. You saved him from harm and you did a good deed. E-mail me please and we can talk

Please e-mail me privately at midnitespirit65@yahoo.com

[cecilia]

Others will be able to give you better info on this, but a 2-year-old 2' Iguana sounds undersized to me.
The most important thing your Iguana needs is the correct amount of UV light. Without it, they can't make the necessary Vitamin D to metabolize calcium. The result is Metabolic Bone Disease, which will kill them if not corrected quickly.
My advice would be NOT to give him to a pet store for any reason whatsoever. The cardinal rule in any business is to turn over inventory as quickly as possible. In a pet store animals are inventory. You are correct in assuming that he could end up in the hands of a family who neglects or abuses him, and the sad fact is that a huge percentage of pet Iguanas end up either dead or turned over to a reptile adoption group (most of whom are full and not taking any more Iguanas.)
It will be much easier for you to find help and advice on how to keep him than to find someone to take him. You could probably make some adjustments to his tank that would make him more comfortable and healthy, so he wasn't always trying to get out. Then you could get on a waiting list for an adoption group, but be prepared to wait awhile until they have space for him.

[cntrlf8]

Speaking from experience, Iguanas can be WONDERFUL lifetime companions. They do have very specific care requirements that most people are either unable or unwilling to accomodate.

Most importantly, enclosure size, proper lighting, and proper diet are essential to the long term health of these animals. As cecilia mentioned, they must have adequate exposure to UV light or they will develop MBD. They must also have a diet that has a proper calcium/phosporus/protein composition. If these needs are not met they will live a very poor, very short life. They must also have an enclosure they can be comfortable in. Generally for an adult Iguana to be comfortable an enclosure of 4' square by 6-8' tall is recommended. Most people don't have this kind of space available, so you can see where it would be easy for them to be poorly kept.

If you do decide you just can't meet the needs for your rescue please do as it sounds like you're already doing and be concsientious about who you're re-homing him with. preferably someone who is experienced with Iguanas, and not somebody looking for something to entertain their kids with.