View Full Version : Newbie with Brown Tree Climbers/Mop Head Iquana
Hi everyone! I just got two of these guys last week. They are eating well and doing everything they should be doing. Problem is, I don not have any information on them. HELP!
Will0W783
06-03-09, 10:51 AM
Hello again- three threads? People are usually good about answering threads on here, just be patient. I've never heard of mop head iguanas and would love to see pics if you can post them. In the future, do yourself and your herps a favor and research any species you're thinking about before you buy them- it makes both your lives a lot easier. Go to some of the reptile shows- there are lots of good books there for sale- far more than I've seen anywhere else. Best of luck and post some pics of them! I'm very curious! :)
Chu'Wuti
06-03-09, 12:41 PM
Tallen, there are reptile/herp shows in a lot of places in June, so google herp shows for your state. Also check out your local herp society--google "herpetological society Your State" and you'll come up with something. Then go to a meeting and ask for help with your herps--somebody there will be able to help. Good luck!
Club tailed iguanas are often called mop head igs, google image seach 'club tailed iguana' and see if that's what you have. I don't know about the specifics of their care but I cans ay this.
I have a green iguana (used to have two), and I used to work in a herp store with an iguana display of 'drop offs'. Igaunas eat a ridiculous amount, need a lot of lighting, throw fits, go into heat, they get huge, need a huge enclousre etc etc etc. They are honsetly not good pets unless you truly have a passion for them. They are really the kind of reptile that needs a lot of research and dedication. Igs are one of the most thrown away, 'disposable' reptiles.
Green igs are STRICTLY vegetarian! I don't know about these guys.. Regardless of what you have make sure you use a calcium supplement with D3 in it a few times a week, and vitamin supplement a couple times a month.
Not to be a jerk but it really frusterates me when I see people getting igs with no idea what they are getting in to. I realize clubtaileds don't even come close to the size of greens but.. (i think clubs get to about 18")
I can't seem to find much info on the club tailed's care that I would be comfortable referring you to.. google will be your friend here
Hi everyone. Don’t know if my last post made it. My screen went blank and it was gone! Anyway, just for the record, here is what happened. I was planning on getting my son a new lizard. His passed away at five years old. The pet shop gave me a care sheet and spoke at length with me about them, so I felt comfortable. I was just going to take one, but decided I just couldn’t leave one behind. Good thing, because they are cuddled up together. I would never bring home an animal and not take care of it. Not my thing. I have a lot of confidence in myself, and knew I would find enough information to keep them. And I believe that I have. They have a basking area of 85 – 90 degrees, black light at night. Salad and crickets (they do eat them, I found that out). A black light at night. Plenty of misting. And plenty of handling as well. This was a shop that I frequent, and they are pretty good. They just made a mistake in the information they gave me. Never had a reason not to trust them. They have always been good to me. So, it was simply a mistake of species. I think you guys should ask for the story of the author first. OUCH!
Please don't take offence I was just being blunt. We just care about the welfare of your animals, and you said you bought two with no knoweldge. Pet stores often have no idea what they are talking about (althought this is not always the case). Is it indeed club tails that you have? Good luck, I would like to see pictures :)
Will0W783
06-08-09, 10:13 AM
Good luck with them Tallen. I wasn't trying to be offensive either, but I worry whenever someone says they bought an animal with no knowledge of its care. That kind of thing never ends well. Like Siz said, we just care about the animals' welfare. You sound like you will be fine. Please post pictures- I am really curious! :)
Hi Jess. I thought I had info. but in the end, I did not because I was mislead. So I guess my first e-mail was kinda quirky. Sorry. They are mop heads, and somewhat rare from what I have read. Might not be for long. My son told me the other day they were giving piggy back rides.:)
PS: I will take pics soon!
Hi everyone! My son and I have learned so much about them, and we are going to continue to so. The tank is set up beautifully. I will take pictures. I have a large iguana enclosure, but I am afraid to move them right now. I am worried they won't be warm enough with the screen. They are about 16 inches from head to tail. Is that silly?
Is it normal for them to cuddle together? They weren't close together in the pet shop (they were in a five gallon tank - I think they just arrived. There were knats in the tank. The shop was preparing a large area for them when I got them.) So I put them in a 55 gallon tank, coconut husk on the bottom, lots of branches a nice large stone to bask on with a lamp putting out between 85 and 90 degrees, black light at night and it really made a difference. They relaxed (most people I tell this too look at me weird when I say they relax).
Does anyone use a mister in their enclosure? I am worried about the humidity level.
Just so all of you know, I am committed to Emilio and Saferia. I would never turn away a creature I took responsibility for. Plus, I really like them! They are fascinating! They seem to find us fascinating too!:)
The tank is set up beautifully. I will take pictures. I have a large iguana enclosure, but I am afraid to move them right now. I am worried they won't be warm enough with the screen. They are about 16 inches from head to tail. Is that silly?
No, if you do decide to move them to a screen enclosure this shouldn't be something to worry about. Make sure you have a digital thermometer in there to monitor temps. Something to keep in mind is that most igs LOVE to climb and height is an important factor!
Is it normal for them to cuddle together?
No, reptiles don't really 'cuddle' for the most part. They are usually 'cuddling' because they both want to be in the same spot for whatever reason (heat, hide etc). It is usually suggested to house reptiles seperatley, definatley with green iguanas. If you don't know the genders I would suggest doing this but keep in mind I am not familiar with this species. The reasoning behind this is that they have to compete to get food, the best basking spot, the best hide, sometimes one gets bullied, sometimes they flat out fight, sometimes they breed. If you know that they are opposite gender I would seperate them almost for that last reason alone, you want to really know about your species before you breed them and hatch more into the world.
I put them in a 55 gallon tank, coconut husk on the bottom, lots of branches a nice large stone to bask on with a lamp putting out between 85 and 90 degrees, black light at night and it really made a difference. They relaxed (most people I tell this too look at me weird when I say they relax).
That sounds pretty good :) coconut husk is a great substrate because there is a low risk of ingestion and impaction, and it holds humidity well. Do you have any hides in there? You might not need the black light at night, it's usually acceptable to let night temps drop at night but again I am not familiar with this species. Again a digital thermometer in the tank is great. Post a picture of your setup too :)
I know what you mean about a relaxed looking lizard. Don't worry, we won't look at you weird here! :D
Does anyone use a mister in their enclosure? I am worried about the humidity level.
Just so all of you know, I am committed to Emilio and Saferia. I would never turn away a creature I took responsibility for. Plus, I really like them! They are fascinating! They seem to find us fascinating too!
Yep! A spray bottle is great for helping keep up humidity!
That's good to hear :) Again, good luck with them, reptiles are fascinating! (And you might find they are also very addictive!!)
Hi guys. So far, they are great together. They sit together a lot. I'd rather not separate them unless I had too. They seem to like each other. I have not seen any agression at all. I believe I have a male and female (90 percent sure). Are they too young to breed? They only get about 2 feet. They are about 18 inches now.
So you all are saying they will find the heat even if I put them in the large enclosure? With the night light, it is about 72 and I have seen them under it at night. This breed is unique in that they eat crickets! I have tried all kinds of veggies and fruits, and they won't touch it. I even tried iggy food. They just want crickets. In general, what I have read is that they are pretty docile. But if I see any agression, I will totally separate them. I took pictures and will post them tomorrow.
So let me know if you think I should move them to the other enclosure. I will take your advise, and move them this weekend if you all think it is best. As for separating them, I just think that they like each other. Maybe it is gut feeling.... But I have not seen any reason to take them away from each other. Does anyone else have two housed together? :rolleyes:
PS: They both seem to be feeding at different times. Emilio eats as soon as I put the food in the tank (typical male - sees food, jumps). Saferia takes her time, and feeds in private. I can tell, because sometimes she has a little husk on her lips.
Also, how do I post pics?
The problem is you might not ever see aggression. The one eating first and the other waiting is the sign you should be looking for. e.g. in a pack of lions the males eat first and the females are last to eat. you might come to find out your female is getting the "last pick" of everything not just meals. I dunno everything i could find on green iggys was not to house them together. again i couldn't find anything on this species but I would seperate them. If you had a huge enclosure that was like 6feet by 6feet by 6feet with multiple hot spots and hides and more like a natural enviroment i would say give it a try but whether you like it or not they will compete for the best hides and basking spots. Also it is important to note that female iggys, at least the green ones i read, will lay eggs every year reguardless if they are fertile or not and must be given the opportunity for a lay box. if not they will die from being egg bound. also a good time to seperate the male and female so he doesn't piss her off and make her not feel comfortable laying.
http://iggys.html
Here are pictures. I hope it works! Check them out!
Hi everyone. Here are some shots.
http://http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=69&pictureid=357
http://http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=69&pictureid=356
http://http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=69&pictureid=355
Nope they didn't work.. A good way to post pics is upload them from your computer at Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket (http://www.photobucket.com). Hover over the pic you want and it gives you a couple options, go to INSERT TO FORUM (i think its called) and copy & paste the URL here. You can also upload them into your gallery on this website and we can look there. :)
What Kyle said is very accurate and I do urge you to sepreate your animals. I will quote one of my earlier posts:
The reasoning behind this is that they have to compete to get food, the best basking spot, the best hide, sometimes one gets bullied, sometimes they flat out fight, sometimes they breed. If you know that they are opposite gender I would seperate them almost for that last reason alone, you want to really know about your species before you breed them and hatch more into the world.
You don't want to breed purposley or by accident, a species you just accquired, or a species you don't know much about, or if it's even the species you think it is! (be sure to still include a laybox with the 'female' though!)
IE. you don't know incubation temps, hatchling temps, food, humidity etc etc etc
I realize they might seem like they are enjoying each other's company but this is mort likely not the case.
You could always put one in the iguana enclosure and keep one in the tank?
Can't wait to see those pics :):)
EDIT: Oh, the pictures are working now!! :D
OK, a few things. (I'm not picking on you, don't worry! :D )
I'm pretty sure those aren't iguanas. I *think* that they are Uranoscodon superciliosus the 'diving lizard' and 'brown tree climber'...there is very little info on these guy on the web.
They look like they are both partially in shed. I would try to increse humidiy in your viv first things first.
I also recommend adding many more branches and 'climby things' to the viv, these lizards like to climb! (hence brown tree climbers lol), more foliage would also be good to add cover and places to hide. I think the tank is a little bare for semi-arboreal reptiles.
Which light is which? Looks like they are both heat lights? I don't think we have mentioned UVB lighting yet in this thread, on light should be a heat light, the other should be a UVB bulb (linear tube ones are better than the compact spirals). The thermometer you have in there won't be giving you accurate reading because of where you have placed it. Place it closer to the basking spot so you know the temps they are sitting at. Again, digital thermometers are preferable.
I really can not find any actual good info on these guys..frusterating!
Mop-headed Iguana (Uranoscodon superciliosum) clinging to branch, Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve, Guyana (http://www.animalplayer.com/animal/photos/278655)
Check this out! This where the confusion comes in.
Has anyone seen the pictures of the iggys?
Hi everyone! I know that they get up to two feet long. Heating and humidity is the same as for iggys. They are being treated like royalty. Weird. Where is all the info.?
citysnakes
06-09-09, 11:12 PM
I think you guys should ask for the story of the author first. OUCH!
what story? your first post was pretty much "help i dont know a thing".
but i guess what youre trying to say is to do research on a species before you choose to own one.
:) Jullian, we are all past this now. This is a great opportunity for all of us to learn about a little known species and create a care sheet. Might be a fun project. I know I am on it.
UPDATE!
Saferia and Emilio are at opposite ends of the tank. They are doing well on top of branches. Just want to get more info. on them. They are being treated per a care sheet I did find. I’d just like more. This weekend or early next week I am moving them to the larger enclosure.
So i guess the idea of seperating them is out the window. I love people who ask for help and then just disreguard it when it isn't what they want to hear. lol. Cracks me up.
Google Image Result for http://www.wildherps.com/images/herps/standard/06111516PD.jpg (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wildherps.com/images/herps/standard/06111516PD.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wildherps.com/species/U.superciliosus.html&usg=__6YlM9ksz6sIyA9vOtumnkl6-J50=&h=400&w=600&sz=89&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=x6PIDL-BpEwVYM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbrown%2Btree%2Bclimber%26hl%3Den%26sa %3DN%26um%3D1)
Google Image Result for http://www.natureswindow.dk/HBR/hbr488-22.jpg (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.natureswindow.dk/HBR/hbr488-22.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.natureswindow.dk/Uranoscodon%2520superciliosa.html&usg=__rwCD9GgwgTeC4Wd2SO6GfgWgufE=&h=396&w=600&sz=34&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=75_DeiQCPsI3JM:&tbnh=89&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmop%2Bheaded%2Biguana%26ndsp%3D18%26h l%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1)
There seem to be good pics on them on these two sites.
Never said I wasn't going to separate them. Just adding field notes as I go along. Eventually, they will be separated. When I first put up the new enclosure, for logistical reasons they will have to be together for a short time (until I can get another enclosure). There is not enough room for the large tank and the enclosure. May be a month before I can get it. If I notice anything awry, I will break out the pastic. Just would perfer not to.
Besides, we have not yet established that these guys can't live together. they are not green iggys. Let's keep an open mind.
So i guess the idea of seperating them is out the window. I love people who ask for help and then just disreguard it when it isn't what they want to hear. lol. Cracks me up.
Yeah it's not like our responses write themselves. You didn't aknowledge anything I or Kyle posted and that's frusterating..
Almost all reptiles should be kept seperate for all those reasons we listed...I'm not getting into this any further
Hi. I absolutely absorbed everything you said. I increased humidity, and got a digital therm. I have done a lot. But there is still research to be done. Don't take offence. I am watching them carefully to see if they are having any problems, and I assure you, so far they are not. They are in my son's room and if there was a fight, we would wake up (I'm a light sleeper). I think we should all try to learn as much as we can about these wonderful creatures together.
Aaron_S
06-10-09, 04:49 PM
Why do people buy animals and THEN figure out their housing? If you can only house one then why not buy just one?
Reptiles aren't like other animals. When they are housed together they don't always fight and make noise when one is stressing out the other. It's silent and subtle signs that you must see.
citysnakes
06-10-09, 07:22 PM
or even signs that may not be seen.
in the spirit of keeping an open mind: you may catch something in time but you also may not. then what?
im not sure how experienced you are with keeping reptiles but considering your experience level and that you have no previous experience with this specific species, it may be a good a idea to keep it simple and house them seperately for a while.
anyways its just an opinion.
good luck.
I am pretty experienced. I entered this forum thinking we would be on the cutting edge of a new type species. There is no info on these guys. Insead of beating people up, consider the other. I purchased these guys with a care sheet and information that was not exactly accurate. Because this species is unknown. There is nothing out there. As much as you are bashing me, consider that I am really interested in keeping them. Imagine some person that just gets them and does no research. Yeah, I got stuck with guys that were misidentified and given misinformation. But I STOOD UP! I want to do what is best. Stop beating me up. Let's work together to find out as much as we can about these guys and educate the community. I joined this community thinking I would get support.
citysnakes
06-10-09, 09:43 PM
you are getting support in the form of advice that many posters have already offered. what more do you need? just because people have opinions other than yours and offer it to you as advice doesnt mean they are "bashing" you.
the best advice so far is to house them seperately. your experience tells you that they will be fine together whereas others are telling you not to risk it. there must be reasons why. no? personally if i were in your situation with a species that i have no experience with and a lack of available, detailed if any information on them, i would seriously consider housing them in seperate enclosures until i was educated and experienced enough to practice a slightly more advanced husbandry technique with this unfamiliar species by housing them together.
again, thats just my opinon.
Aaron_S
06-10-09, 09:44 PM
We are giving support, support to fair treatment of the animals.
Personally, if you're really set on trying to keep them how about you seperate them until they are acclimated? Make sure they are both healthy and thriving before placing them together.
If you're so set on being a 'break through' hobbiest then maybe you should look up their place of origin in this world. Find out what their natural habitat actually consists of instead of just "winging" it.
I have looked up their natural habitat and am following it. I'll let you all know how they are working out. Until then, thanks for the advise, and good luck to all of you.
Aaron_S
06-12-09, 02:38 PM
So the tank set up you posted a picture of is how their natural habitat looks? A couple branches and flat land?
Humidity, temp. lighting, diet. New enclosure next week. As I have said in previous posts. They are eating well, and acting well. Since everyone freely admits not knowing much about this breed, I wonder why you are all so sure that what I am doing is wrong? I have contacted several specialists, and have found a care sheet, finally. No where does it say they can not be housed together. Remember, these are not green iggys. Their temp and moisture are the same, but diet and eveything else is somewhat different. Let's not write posts intended to put down other members. It is not very nice. And I have been very nice to all of you.:rolleyes:
Ok we are not putting you down at all please don't feel that way. it is really hard to figure out how someone means something over a text based convo. The point we are trying to make is instead of starting housing them together where there is a potential for something to go wrong, house them seperate until you find if they can be housed together to not.
simple when you are working with something you don't know much about you start with baby steps. Most every reptile would prefer to be alone. so that is just where we are suggesting you start.
Housed seperate=no potential problems
Housed together=might be potential problems and might not be problems.
why take the risk until you know 100%?
Also good job doing the research you have done so far and by doing all you can from what i can see.
Lastly, If it is a problem that you can't afford right now to house them seperate then lesson learned is don't committ to what you can't afford at the time.. but that is over and now we must deal with what is going on in the present. Continue to watch them now, and then when you can seperate them until you find a REALIABLE source that states you can house them together. I say RELIABLE because there are ball python care sheets that say you can house them together, but it really isn't a good idea. they leave the "isn't a good idea part out". Good luck hope all is going well.
Aaron_S
06-14-09, 07:10 PM
First of all we aren't just comparing these lizards to green iguanas. We're saying the rule of thumb for ALL reptiles is individual housing. That's a blanket statement for ALL species.
Secondly, because you really wanted to house two together you took the risk that one might carry internal parasites and exposed it to your other one. One of the biggest purposes of housing individually is for medical quarantine. YOU on the other hand are so bent on them co-habitating that you refuse to see these views. It's about the ANIMALS not YOU and what YOU want. HEALTHY ANIMALS FIRST!
Hi Kmef07. Thanks for the e-mail. When I got them, they were housed together, and I was told this was fine. Hence, no need for a second enclosure. I can afford it, just would rather not lay out the dough if I don't have too. They are doing awesome, by the way. Moving them this week. I told them this morning they were moving in to a high rise. No response. I am sure they are just thinking about it. Ha Hah.
Aaron, Please do not reply to my thread anymore. I tried to hold a nice conversation with you, but apparently you have some issues that I don't care to deal with. Take care, take a break, take Prozac.
PS: As for parasites, they had already been housed together.
PSS: Take care. Really.
Aaron_S
06-15-09, 07:53 PM
I don't care to respond to your thread any longer as it is. No need for telling me I need prozac. You disregard advice when asked for it because it's not what you want to hear.
The only reason I am posting again is to point out that you have now lost two people (including myself) who were willing to give you good advice. Please consider re reading this thread and following what you have been advised. Good bye.
Hi Jess. I took a lot of your advise. But Aaron wrote in all caps, which is indicitative of yelling. My Mops are great. So if you want to back off, it is fine. This is a perfect opportunity for all of us to study a not-known breed. You can participate or not. Either way, I am doing what I think is best. I hope you will join me in this journey of discovery. I have great instincts.
i don't care to respond to your thread any longer as it is. No need for telling me i need prozac. You disregard advice when asked for it because it's not what you want to hear.
good bye aaron!
Heard from a zoolologist in UK. Was surprised to hear from him! He said it is fine to keep them together. In fact, that is how they are housed at the zoo.
Ya but a zoo usually has a huge enclosure. if it is the size of a whole room with it's own little environment then yes go for it but im sure your enclosure is a lot smaller than what they have in a zoo.
Well, the zoologist says I am fine. I described the enclosure I am moving them to, and he said that was just fine. So, now we have learned a lot about the Mop Head. They need heat and humidity like a green, but can be housed together. They primarily eat crickets. So, take the knowlege I am giving. For the good of the breed. As for this forum, well, I hope the webmaster reads this. You are not going to have a good community if you keep putting people down. Good luck to all of you.
Will0W783
06-23-09, 07:41 PM
Tallen, I'm glad to hear your mop heads are doing well! They sound quite neat- you should post pictures of them and their enclosure. As for people putting you down, I honestly don't think anyone meant any harm- it's just that people who've been in the hobby a long time tend to get very passionate about herps. Why not- they're amazing, interesting little creatures. I'm sure Aaron and Jess just had the animals' best interests at heart. Don't take it personally, and just keep caring for your mops and doing your best. That being said, do take care to keep an eye on them since they are together. It might never be a problem; it might turn into one. However it turns out, best of luck with the iggys and keep us posted!
citysnakes
06-23-09, 11:21 PM
Tallen, wow! they need heat and humidity and "primarily" eat crickets! what a discovery for the betterment of the "breed" (or is it species or are we talking about dogs?)! im sure with this invaluable knowledge and your vast experience keeping common reptiles that the secrets of this uncommon species will be uncovered.
nobody has put you down and you are the one simply refusing advice claiming that some kind of journey must be taken in order to fully understand this species and comment on their care.
housing specimens seperately is something many experienced reptiles keepers will recommend even with known social species. the species you have is somewhat unknown to you and the advice to seperate them is good advice. insisting that they will be fine together without much knowledge and experience with the species shows your real experience level with reptile care and is good enough reason to seperate them at least for now.
honestly at this point i, as im sure everyone else here, couldnt care less about what you do with your animals and im kinda surprised that this thread is still active. things may or may not happen and i just hope everything works out for you because i would hate for something to happen to them for whatever reason.
i hope if the webmaster reads this, the thread gets locked because its really a pointless one especially with an OP who asks for advice yet has an attitude like this.
vBulletin® v3.8.7, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.